Until about 15-20 years ago, a large majority of the nation's children were baptised as infants, often very unthinkingly - this was something to be "done", like vaccination! Today, the number of infant baptisms has fallen enormously. But, paradoxically in the generally more secular society of today, those parents who do want a religious "rite of passage" for their child are treating the subject with greater seriousness. The promises and affirmations made within the Baptism service are solemn and powerful.

 

Some people decide that a Thanksging Service is more appropriate than a Baptism. A Baptism takes place in the Sunday Service. The Thanksgiving Service is a separate occasion for the family alone. Some parents believe that the child should decide for themselves, when they are older, wether or not they would like to be baptised. Some parents prefer not to make the vows of Christian commitment which are a part of the Baptism service. A Baptism is a signal that they wish to join the church. The Thanksgiving Service is simply a celebration for the birth of a child. Whatever the reason, baptism does not feel right, but they still want to celebrate God's gift of a child, and say thank-you publicly and joyfully.