Baptisms

Although we in the twenty-first century may express these ideas in different terms, we still recognise that the Christian life means sharing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism, the sacrament of entry into the fellowship of the Christian community, is the most appropriate way of declaring this.

Sometimes, after discussion at the Baptism Information Session, parents decide that Baptism is not exactly what they want for their child. The Uniting Church can offer a couple of other possibilities. There is provision within the Church’s liturgy for a Service of Thanksgiving and this may suit your purposes better. Click or tap the link below to see the full wording of the Service of Thanksgiving.

The other possibility is a Naming Ceremony. This is not an official service of the Church but sometimes is exactly what parents want to celebrate the arrival of the new child into their family. If this is something that appeals to you, speak to the minister about it at the Baptismal Information Session and appropriate arrangements can be made.

If, as an adult, you wish to be baptised, the Uniting Church regards that as exactly the same baptism as is given to children. However, because you are an adult, the vows and promises made by parents on behalf of their child are replaced by vows and promises that you will make for yourself.

The minister will want to spend some time with you before the baptism takes place, helping you to understand the significance of the step you are taking. This is comparable with the Baptism Information Session for the parents of applicants for child Baptism.

Often the Baptism of an adult is associated with that person becoming a Confirmed Member of the Church and, if that applies to you, you will need preparation for that event.

Click or tap on the link below to see the full wording of the Baptism Ceremony of the Uniting Church in Australia, specifically adapted for use in the Wesley Church on the Mall. When you bring your child for Baptism, a printed copy of this ceremony will be available so that you can read your responses from it. You do not need to learn these responses off by heart.

The Elders of the Congregation are very much involved in the administration of Baptism in the Uniting Church and a particular Elder will be allocated for your child’s baptism, ready to guide and assist wherever necessary. This will be determined by the Elders following your attendance at a Baptism Information Session – see details above.

Because God’s love is unconditional, we at Wollongong Wesley do not make any charge for a Baptism Ceremony. However, if you or any of your guests would like to make a donation towards the upkeep of the church or contribute to the Community Care program, which feeds and supports people within the Wollongong area, you (or they) may care to make a donation.

There is a metal box for this purpose just inside the glass doors into the church or, if you wish, your donation (in an envelope, please) may be handed to the minister or elder.