A Messy Christmas Baptism

Alison Paginton, Regional Coordinator in the Bristol area sent us this great baptism account.
Our Messy Church Christmas service this year at St Christopher’s was based on the theme ‘Who is this baby?’ and was given an extra boost by our first ever Messy Baptism here. Our usual congregation was joined by 50 of Stanley’s friends and family and together we had the largest (and messiest) meeting yet. The activities stretched out over both hall and church, everything from small angels made with glue and glitter through to a life-size stable made with wood, hammer and nails. It was great to see regulars and guests alike getting stuck in with all that was going on. We then journeyed towards the stable, stopping off at the font to baptise Stanley and it was a joy for me to wear a special baptism stole made as one of the activities. From there it was on to Bethlehem and our worship and then back to the hall for a special feast.
One of the marks of a maturing fresh expression is its ability to welcome in Christian initiation through baptism and it was a delight to be able to baptise Stanley whose regular church is our Messy Church. It was also great to make an impression on our visitors with regards what church is like – I think one or two were surprised in a good way!
Revd Dr Andrew Schuman
Vicar, St Christopher’s Brislington