baptisms
It is where baptisms, weddings, funerals, and pastoral care take place.
In our local context, we have been privileged to see God at work: welcoming new families, seeing adults come to know Jesus through Alpha, celebrating adult baptisms, and deepening youth engagement.
At Ulverston Parish Church we’ve celebrated eight adult baptisms (two affirmations) so far this year.
They may use their local church for baptisms, weddings and funerals, but it is clear that many feel uncomfortable and out of place when they do attend these services.
Across the Church of England, baptisms of adolescents and adults are up by 18% since before the pandemic.
We have seen an encouraging response from the community, including being blessed with a number of adult Baptisms and Confirmations, and two weddings of couples who have recently come to faith and become part of our community.
Even those individuals who don’t actually go to church but live in these communities like to use the local church for baptisms, weddings and funerals.
multiple baptisms; and people returning to faith and church after many years away;
We enjoyed celebrating 20 baptisms at Easter, and have 5 more lined up for September.
Weddings, funerals, baptisms, schools and everyday pastoral ministry remain extraordinary opportunities to serve our communities and share the Gospel.
Sunday by Sunday, day by day, up and down the country, in parishes, schools and chaplaincies; in workplaces, open churches and coffee mornings; in youth groups and warm hubs; at baptisms, weddings and funerals; in worship and the celebration of sacraments, and beside the hospital bed; in conversations on high streets and in small acts of pastoral care — the Church of England displays the glory of its myriad witnesses to Jesus Christ.
Supporting the parish The Church is one body, but the parish remains where most people encounter it: through worship, schools, baptisms, weddings and funerals, music, community activity and pastoral care.
I have also treasured the pastoral moments that each new day brings from baptisms, marriages, supporting the bereaved, and standing alongside people at the most memorable stages of their lives.