A number of folk have expressed an interest in being baptised or confirmed this year, so I will be running a course of five baptism/confirmation preparation classes at Greenholme, Bewcastle on Fridays (4.30-6pm) commencing on 25th September for five weeks. The course is also open to those who would just like a refresher about the Christian faith.
Baptism is entry into the Church. It is universally recognised across all the major denominations, including Anglican, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, as well as most Protestant churches. It involves making promises before God and a congregation, and receiving Christ’s gift of new life through water (which is normally sprinkled on the head in church, although can be done in a river!) and the Holy Spirit. It is only done once in a person’s life, so is only available to those who have never been baptised, for example as infants.
Confirmation, on the other hand, is the ‘confirming’ of the promises already made at baptism. For many people who were baptised as infants, their Godparents and parents made these promises on their behalf. When they are old enough to decide for themselves, people are invited to be confirmed. So confirmation is for those who have been baptised to confirm those promises for themselves. During the service, they kneel before the bishop who anoints them with oil, and places his or her hands on their head, and prays for them to receive God’s Holy Spirit.
For those who wish to be baptised, this service also provides the opportunity to be confirmed at the same time. Traditionally in the Church of England (and the Roman Catholic, although not the Orthodox churches), people would only receive Holy Communion after they had been confirmed. These days churches are often more open, seeing God’s grace as being more generous than our traditions, rather like Jesus, himself. However, the service will include Holy Communion so all the newly baptised and confirmed may receive this most special of sacraments.
The course will cover all the basics of the Christian faith, like how do we know there is a God? Why is there suffering in the world? Is there life after death? What is holy communion etc. We will work through the book Faith Confirmed together (you will be asked to provide your own copy), but our meetings will give the opportunity to ask any questions that are important to you. The date and venue for the baptism/confirmation service itself has yet to be confirmed.
The course is open to everyone, with the only criteria being a willingness to explore faith and ask questions for yourself. So you are probably likely to be at least ten years old (Year 5 upwards), but more mature adults are especially invited. Depending on numbers and ages we may split into two groups.
If you, or someone you know, might be interested, I warmly encourage you to drop me an email (robert.brown@bewcastlehouseofprayer.org.uk), or give me a call (016977 48438). There is absolutely no obligation or expectation to attend just by getting in touch, so do please feel free to ask any questions.
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