Some Christening/blessing help

[Pickles77]

Hi there,
I have a 14 week old DD. I've had a very tough time this year and I really would like to start going to Church. I am a believer and my family are CoE.
I would like a really quite christening or a small private blessing for my DD I'm not sure if this is possible.
I really need some help finding my feet on this one if possible.
I probably sound very niave and almost ignorant but I really could use your guidance. Thank you

[worldgonecrazy]

It's entirely up to you how many you invite. Can you go and speak to your local vicar and have a chat about what you want to do?

[thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts]

Some churches like to do the baptisms (Christening) in the main service so talk to the vicar and see what they can do. What you might like to think about is to have a thanksgiving service now and keep that small and then maybe have a baptism later.

[Pickles77]

Thank you

[MaryBS]

Do you know where your local C of E church is? If not, you can find contact details here www.achurchnearyou.com/

First step would be to contact the vicar, perhaps maybe meet up and discuss what you'd like. Its a fairly common request, so don't be worried. Also its not like a test or anything. I've done "baptism visits" where I go along and explain what its all about, and the first thing I say is "its not a test and you won't get judged before you are let in" :)

Don't worry, it'll be fine :)

[Pickles77]

Thank you, yes got my local church and booked the first meeting with the vicar

[NotGeoffVader]

Sounds like you have all this in hand now, Pickles! :)

Hope you find a lovely vicar and that the church is welcoming.

[Pickles77]

Thanks Ahhh your back!!! Hope your well

[NotGeoffVader]

Yes, finally back. All well here but feeling a bit unprepared for Christmas. Unfortunately I can't offer any advice on Christenings as I'm not a churchgoer (or a christian) but I can fully understand the need for a formal blessing for DD.

I wanted to do something pagan but DH veto'd that so we've done nothing :(

[worldgonecrazy]

notgeoffvader you could just have a naming ceremony with some subtle pagan references That way you would both be happy.

When we do namings they are never overtly pagan because neither of us are comfortable with the idea of giving a child to a religion/belief system.

[Pickles77]

Oh I'm as unprepared as can be! Glad your well!
Well I'm the only one making this decision, the lovely twunt will just have to decide what to do with his invite!

[NotGeoffVader]

Maybe, world - something to discuss at a later stage I think. DD is nearly two though so she'd just be blabbing all through as once she gets going you can't shut her up! :)

Pickles- all power to your elbow, well, you know what I mean. You stick to what you want and let twunt roll his invite up and put it where the sun don't shine!