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Unfortunately, because God is holy and we are not, there's an enormous gap between us and God. It's our sins - the wrong things in our lives - that make this gap so big.
No matter how good we try to be, we can never be good enough to close the gap between God and us. But there is an answer! When Jesus Christ died on the cross on the first Good Friday he bridged that gap for us.
It says in the Bible,
This wonderful way back to God is open to everyone who personally receives Jesus Christ into their lives. You could do that now by praying a prayer like this and really meaning it: Lord Jesus Christ, please forgive all the wrong things I've done. Please come into my life, be my Saviour and Lord and give me your gift of eternal life.
The Baptism of Adults
If you know that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour - and if you haven't already been baptized - then baptism is for you!
Since you will be identifying yourself with your Saviour's death and resurrecton, it's a good idea to have plenty of water - enough for you to be buried under it, then raised out of it into resurrection life. We can use a large baptistry, or even the sea on Portreath Beach.
Alternatively, you may prefer the more traditional method of being baptized at a font in one of our churches.
The Baptism of Children
There is strong evidence that since the earliest days of Christianity the Church has baptized children of Christian parents. Baptism is thus the beginning of a Christian journey for them.
In the baptism service parents and Godparents promise to go on that journey with their children. You will commit yourself to pray for your children, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ. We, in turn, will promise to do all we possibly can to help and encourage you on that journey.
You need not be an 'expert' to make these promises! A basic understanding of Chrisianity and a sincere desire to go on the journey of faith is all we ask. However, it naturally follows that if you do not intend to bring up your children in the Christian faith then there is little point in having them baptized.
Thanksgiving, Naming and Blessing
We believe that every new life is a gift from God. Whenever we receive a gift we want to thank the giver. This simple service is an opportunity to thank God for the precious gift of a child.
You may wish to consider this as an alternative to baptism if:
• you do not feel able to commit yourself to the promises made in a baptism service
• you plan to delay the baptism of your child for a while, but wish to thank God for his gift to you
• you wish to delay baptism until your child is old enough to understand and make a personal decision to follow Christ.
How to book a Baptism or Thanksgiving
Please come to the Teatime Service at St Illogan Parish Church. It's held every Sunday at 4.30pm. After a short, informal
time of worship we will make arrangements for your baptism.