Ideas

This is a brief outline for a baptism sermon.  You will need a rucksack and some visual aids; a map, a compass and/or satnav device, a snack. If you want to try the footprints suggestion below, you’ll need one paper cut-out foot shape for everyone in church.

This is the service sheet I’ve put together and used for the last two years or so

I give to each member of the congregation a cut-out footprint, and as part of the prayers, invite them to write on it a prayer, or word for the child/baby being baptised.

In February 2015 we had the very first baptism in the new church plant, the Church in the Park, in the Parish of Christ the King, North Gosforth

On a visit to a church in our diocese recently, I found a display of baby socks, each with a name

This simple prayer can be used during the service to involve everyone.

I recently led an outdoor service for Pentecost and the Church had a presence at the village carnival

I recently did an ‘engagement blessing’ at our local Nursing Home, where the grandfather of a newly-engaged bride is bedridden

​​​​​​​For a number of years now in two different parishes I have introduced a Wedding Music Session. When I send out my wedding leaflet and request for a deposit at the end of January for the upcoming weddings, I also send a invitation to the session.

This gift has been trialled at National Weddings Shows and almost without exception, it is received with surprise and delight by couples, regardless of where they are getting married.