Baptisms At St Peter's Hornsby

(Some people call Baptism “Christening".)

We hope this page answers some of your questions, sets out important guidelines, and helps parents in their choice of either a Baptism Service or a Thanksgiving Service. 

The Seriousness of Baptism

Here in St Peter's we consider that a baptism is not simply a rite of passage. It is a serious and happy occasion, when Christians are able to stand in front of their church and declare that they do have a living faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour.

If the baptism is of an adult, that person will declare that they reject evil, and believe that Jesus has saved them by faith in His death and resurrection.

If the baptism is of a child, then the parents and godparents will declare that they reject evil, and believe that Jesus has saved them by faith in His death and resurrection. On behalf of the child, they promise to raise the child as a Christian, serving their Lord and meeting with other Christians on a regular basis.

These are very serious promises.

They are so serious that we offer you a choice of services.

1.  Click HERE if you would like to continue reading about the Baptism Service.

2.  Click HERE if you would like to read about the Thanksgiving service

(which does not require as serious a commitment by the parents).

Baptism is a Public Service

In the Anglican Church, baptism should normally be administered at a public worship service.

Private baptisms should only occur in emergencies.

In St Peter's, a baptism service is usually held on the second or fourth Sunday of a month, at 9.30am.

Church Attendance

It is a marvellous privilege to regularly meet with others to praise God, hear from His Word, and pray. It is an important way that we grow as Christians. It is a vital expression of our faith. As we meet regularly with others, we grow in our friendships with each other, and support and encourage each other as well. This builds a sense of community and belonging. We want more people to share with us in this great privilege, including those who want baptism for themselves or their child.

Cost

There is no fee for baptism. There is no need to give money directly to the minister.

There will be an offertory during the service, and people are welcome to give what they believe God wants them to give. The offertory is the way our church pays for staff, maintenance, expenses, and helps to support missionaries. We ask for responsible generosity.

We do not force people to give.

Where do you Live?

If our church is too far for you to attend regularly, then attend your local Anglican Church. Ask for baptism there. Travelling long distances to church is possible, and some people are more than happy to do that. If you have a relative regularly attending St Peter's Hornsby (such as a grandparent), then talk with the minister here.

 Preparation for a Child’s Baptism

 If you decide that you would like to have the baptism in St. Peter’s, then please do the following:

1. Come to church regularly.
2. Telephone the Minister who will organise to meet with you to chat about it.
3. Download the application form from this site.

Preparation for Adult Baptism

 If you decide to be baptised in St. Peter’s

1. Come to church regularly.
2. Talk to the Minister after church, who will organise to meet with you.
3. Download the application form from this site.

Thanksgiving Service

 If you cannot fulfil the requirements for the baptism of your child (regular attendance, declarations and promises), then the Thanksgiving service may be suitable for you.

 In this service:

• Your friends and family come to church for the ceremony.
• We give thanks to God for the birth of your child.
• We ask God to bless your child.
• You name your child.
• You do not have to attend church regularly, nor make any promises or statements about your beliefs.
• Instead of godparents, your child can have sponsors.
• Your child receives a Thanksgiving Certificate

 A Thanksgiving service can be held on most Sundays of the month (except for when a Baptism service is being held).

Cost

There is no fee for a thanksgiving service. There is no need to give money directly to the minister.

There will be an offertory during the service, and people are welcome to give what they believe God wants them to give. The offertory is the way our church pays for staff, maintenance, expenses, and helps to support missionaries. We ask for responsible generosity.

We do not force people to give.

Where do you Live?

How far you may live away from St Peter's (or even if you live right next door), makes no difference for this service. Attendance is not a pre-requisite for a Thanksgiving Service.

Organising a Thanksgiving Service

If you would like to choose the Thanksgiving service:

1. Download the application form from this site.
2. Send the completed form to the Minister by fax, post, e-mail or give it to him at church.

Of course, any time after that service your child can be baptised. Simply contact us to book a baptism.

What if my child is not baptised?

* Baptism in itself does not guarantee your child will go to heaven. We are saved by a sincere faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

* Some church schools require students to be baptised. If this affects your child, then you will need to consider your choices.

* Non-baptised children are welcome in Sunday School.

* As your child grows, he or she may want to be baptised.

Baptism can occur at any age.