Belonging Christian Ceremonies LO To understand belonging in

Belonging: Christian Ceremonies LO: To understand belonging in Christianity

Baptism This is also known as a Christening. At somebody’s baptism, the church officially welcome them into God’s family. Both babies or adults can be baptised. The vicar can pour Holy water over the person’s head, dunk their head in Holy water or fully immerse the person in Holy water. This is done because John the Baptist baptised Jesus like this in the Bible.

Weddings A Christian church wedding is a special ceremony where a bride and groom come together to declare their love and devotion to one another in front of God, family and friends. The couple make important promises in front of God, and there are Bible readings and worship songs. The bride usually wears a white gown and rings are exchanged as a symbol of never ending love.

Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you. The local bishop will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life.

Advent is the season before Christmas during which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Advent always finishes on Christmas Eve. Using an advent wreath and four candles - one to symbolise each of the Sundays in Advent, Christians celebrate this time of year by praying together and enjoying the time as a family.

Easter Many Christians celebrate Easter Sunday as the day of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. According to the Bible, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb where Jesus was buried and found it empty. An angel told her that Jesus had risen. Christians worldwide have celebrated Easter for centuries Many Christians worldwide celebrate Easter with special church services, music, candlelight, flowers and the ringing of church bells. It is a day of joy and celebration to commemorate that Jesus Christ is risen, according to Christian belief.

Harvest Festival reminds Christians of all the good things God gives them. This makes them want to share with others who are not so fortunate. In schools and in Churches, people bring food from home to a Harvest Festival Service. After the service, the food that has been put on display is usually made into parcels and given to people in need.

Sunday Services Christian churches hold services of worship every Sunday. There are usually other events happening at churches throughout the week such as bible studies, social events and prayer nights. Christians also receive ‘Holy communion’ at church. This is where Christians drink wine and eat bread to remember the events of the last supper. With the wine they remember Jesus’ blood and with the Bread they remember Jesus’ body, when he was crucified on the cross.

Funerals When a Christian dies, a funeral is held for family and friends. This is a chance for everyone to say goodbye and to thank God for their life.

Your turn. . Your task is to choose one of these ceremonies that we have looked at and complete some of your own research about it. You can present this research in any way you choose – as a powerpoint, a verbal presentation to someone at home, a poster – you could even act out the ceremony and see if someone can guess which ceremony you are acting out! The choices are endless!