There were blessings in abundance as the church communities of Mountsorrel welcomed an all-age congregation to Christ Church for a special Godparents’ Sunday service.
Families of children baptised at Christ Church and St Peter’s in the village - from as long ago as 10 years - were invited to the service, with several guests stepping back into church for the occasion.
The worship, which honoured the precious bond between godparents and their godchildren, was created and led by Linda Vesty, Intergenerational Worker at Christ Church & St Peter’s, and Mel Rowley, their Associate Minister.
“It is important to recognise the continuous journey of godparent and godchild,” explained Linda. “As part of the service we reminded the baptism families that the church is here to support that journey at any, and all, stages of it.
“It’s up to the church to show how we value all those who have been baptised in our churches and Godparents’ Sunday is one way that we can do that.”
Alison White, Children and Families Worker at the churches, added: “During the service we thought about being a godparent, being a godchild and reminded ourselves that as we are all part of God’s family - we are all God’s children.
“A really special part was when, as godparents and as the church, we renewed the promises made at baptisms together, recommitting to the responsibility we have to those who are baptised either in our churches or for whom we are godparent.”
As well as extending their hospitality as a church community, and serving refreshments during the gathering, the congregation also enjoyed an activity together where they created prayer cards and added their godchildren or godparents’ names, so they could be reminded to keep praying for them.
“It was a really joyous occasion and one we hope to repeat in future years,” said Alison.
Godparents’ Sunday is a response to research by the Church of England which uncovered parents’ real experiences and expectations around the baptism of their child. It aims to acknowledge and celebrate the godparent/godchild relationship, reminding godparents of the promises they made on the day of the baptism and supporting the faith journeys of everyone involved with prayer and fellowship.
You can find advice on hosting your own Godparents' Sunday here.