In the Church of Scotland Baptism is a Sacrament and it is through this special event that we are welcomed into God’s family.

What is it?
Baptism is the sign and seal of our adoption by God as members of His family through the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Who can receive it?
The Sacrament of Baptism is available to children of, those parents who believe in God and accept and confess Jesus Christ to be their Lord and Saviour. Adult Baptism is also offered to every believer…

Vows
Adults can take vows for themselves but where children are being presented for the Sacrament, the parents [who must have been Baptised themselves] are required to answer “I do” the following questions:

• Do you present your child to be baptised, earnestly desiring that he/she may be grafted into Christ as a member of his Body the Church?
• Do you believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

Do you promise, depending on the grace of God, to teach your child the truths and duties of the Christian faith; and by prayer and example to bring him/her up in the life of the Church?

In order to take these vows it is felt that at least one of the parents seeking Baptism for their child will be an active member of the congregation and a regular participant in worship.
No baptism can proceed otherwise.

What if I cannot answer "I do" to these vows for my child?
Should you feel that you cannot make the commitment as stated in the vows then we would be happy to provide a Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving. This is not a Sacrament, no vows are taken by the parents and therefore no corresponding vow is required by the congregation. Here the child is named during a private service for family and friends and this leaves an opportunity for Baptism at a later date.

Baptismal Service
The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on a Sunday during normal family worship. Baptismal parties should be in church on the day by 10.45am
During the Baptism, we believe that Christ is present in a special way, and in order to focus on the vows that are being taken, it is expected that everyone attending will treat the occasion with some reverence.

Photographs and Videos
The taking of photographs is not allowed during the service, but opportunities will be given afterwards. The taking of videos is allowed only from a specified area in the church and nowhere else.

Children at Monkton & Prestwick North Parish Church
Following the Baptism our children leave for their own activities, either the crèche or Young Church. We understand that all children prefer to do their own thing and as the remainder of the service is adult based visiting children are very welcome to join our own club members in their different groups and activities.

What to do I do now? For further discussion or information contact the minister on 01292 477499.