Some families who bring children for baptism are already part of the church family, but for others, they may have made a decision to engage with their local church, who in turn, will want to maintain that link and find appropriate ways of engaging with the family. These are just some of the ways that church communities find to do this:
Baptism parties
Inviting all the families who have been baptised in the last year to a social occasion, offering music, food, and a clown to provide entertainment. These events provide good opportunities to invite families to other family focussed events a church may organise, such as parent and toddler groups, parents’ groups, Messy Church events, family events, etc.
Birthday and baptism cards for the children
Sent by the church to the child, to maintain contact.
Mothers’ Union in Carlisle diocese produce cards and resources which anyone can order, see www.carlislediocese.org.uk/partners/mothers-union/one-to-five.html
Parish baptism album
Parents are offered the opportunity to include a photo of their child in a parish baptism album, indicating the child’s date of birth and the date of their baptism. By including a photo of the child in the album, the child and his or her family are made part of the church family, who in turn, have a visual reminder of the commitment they have made to the baptismal family.
An Inspired idea:
