Sometimes called baptism, this is a celebration that thanks God for new life and acknowledges God’s love. At St Andrew’s we welcome opportunities to supporting parents in starting their child on the journey of faith.

In the Church of England, every corner of our land is covered by a parish church is here to look after you. We welcome all who live within our parish boundaries to arrange a christening with us. If you live outside the parish but have a special connection with St Andrew’s, you are also very welcome. Normally, we will ask you to check with your local parish church that it is okay for us to help you. 

The first step is to contact the Parish Office on 01823 332531 with the date you have in mind. We normally ask that we hold the service at 12 Noon on a Sunday. Our Administrator will take a few details and arrange for you to visit the church to discuss the service with a member of the clergy and meet at least one other member of the congregation, who will accompany you throughout the process.

On the day, the service will be personalised to your needs. Christenings are public services and at popular times, we may ask you to share the service with up to one other family.

After the service, if you wish, one of our Lay Pastoral Assistants will keep in touch with you to help you stay in touch with your parish church.

For those wishing to celebrate the birth of a child, but who do not feel ready to make the commitment implied in the promises of baptism, a Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child is available. Please mention this when you contact us, and a member of the clergy will discuss this with you.

If you have already been baptised, or if you wish to be baptised as an adult, you may wish to consider Confirmation, a service at which you confirm before the Bishop the promises made at baptism.

For those previously baptised, returning to church after a time away from the faith, we can offer a service of Affirmation of Baptismal Faith. Others, who used to attend a church of a different tradition, a service of Reception into the Church of England may be helpful. Please speak to the clergy for more information.
 

If you have a christening in church, there will be a small discount for booking the church hall for your reception.
 

Please contact the hall manager Cherry for details - see our Church Hall pages.