Latest news with #baptism
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
These Are Most Meaningful Baby Christening Gifts I've Ever Seen
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." There are few occasions in life that are quite as special and sentimental as a baptism, dedication, christening, or any other religious rite of passage. And how special it is that you've been invited to celebrate this sacred moment alongside family and friends! While a gift is never expected at an event like a baptism or christening, parents will almost always welcome anything to help remember the special occasion, whether it be a keepsake their child can treasure for years or a toy to help their little one learn more about their faith. I recently had my daughter dedicated to the church, and our family and friends showered her with some of the sweetest and most sentimental gifts that I know we'll all treasure forever. I pulled many of those presents to include on this guide, as well as gifts that I've give to friends and family when they've had their own babies baptized. Whether given from a grandparent, godparent, or simply Mom and Dad, these gifts will become keepsakes that represent a day you'll never want to forget. More faith-based gift guides: Thoughtful Godfather Gifts to Celebrate the Special Bond Best Baby Shower Gifts for New Parents Best (and Most Thoughtful) Gifts to Give Your GodmotherWrapped in Prayer Music Box Playing "Over the Rainbow," this sweet music box will be a staple in their room for years to come. $38.70 at Name Puzzle These adorable puzzles are a classic childhood must-have, but they're also great for teaching little ones basic motor functions. This one includes a small blessing as well as a few religious puzzle pieces that you can choose from, like a bible, angel, dove, and cross. You can even add an engraved message on the back! $23.90 at First Noah's Ark Bath Gift Set Bring the bible to bath time! This fun gift set is truly all in one, including three bath toys, a waterproof Noah's Ark bath book, a wash cloth, lamb hooded towel, and even a gift bag. $27.95 at ABC Flash Cards Memory verses are soon to come (in a few years, of course), but little ones can already become familiar with the Scripture through these fun, illustrated flash cards. $9.95 at What God Does is Love You My daughter was recently gifted this precious book by Today host Savannah Guthrie and it's quickly become a favorite bedtime read of everyone in the family. It's a sweet reminder that while God has control of the entire planet, most of what he does is love us. $10.85 at Night, God: A Lift-a-Flap Book This book will forever have a place in our bedtime favorites. It's interactive yet fun, and really emphasizes the basics of prayers for little ones to learn how to pray by themselves. $4.34 at AmazonLamb Goodnight Prayer Lovey This sweet lovey will be your little one's new favorite thing to snuggle up with around bedtime. It has a goodnight prayer stitched in the corner that you can read every evening. My daughter has a DEMDACO lovey and it is her absolute favorite because it's so soft. (Loveys should only be used to sleep with for children older than 12 months, but can still be used to cuddle and play with!) $29.43 at Ark A wooden Noah's Ark toy will be cherished and played with for years to come. This set includes 12 animals in addition to the Ark and Noah and his wife. $54.10 at Musical Lamb and Prayer Book Press on this plush lamb to hear it recite "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep." There's also a bedtime blessing book with gorgeous watercolor illustrations that baby is sure to love. $26.39 at Keepsake Box This keepsake box can be personalized with a name and date of baptism. There are also options for christening, dedication, first communion, confirmation, and more. $28.99 at Prayers for Little Ones Any children's book by Max Lucado would be a great baptism gift, but this one just about bedtime prayers is especially sweet. I have loved reading these prayers with my daughter at bedtime since she was a baby. $8.99 at Cross Silverplate 4" X 6" Frame There will likely be plenty of pictures of this special moment, so give your little one a place to showcase them. This gorgeous frame will be a timeless accent in his or her room for years to come. $54.42 at Wood Baptism Cross Made from olive wood and handcrafted in Bethlehem, this holding cross is a piece of the Holy Land that your little one can take everywhere as he or she grows. Use it as a way to help physically tune in during prayer or as a constant reminder of the Lord's faithfulness. $18.99 at Baby Personalized Cross I got my daughter a personalized cross similar to this one for her church dedication and it has become one of my most treasured pieces of décor in her nursery. It would be so sweet to read this prayer over your little one every night. $36.99 at First Bible Boxed Set This set includes four stories about Jesus, Moses, Noah's Ark, and Adam and Eve. Each story includes vibrant pictures that will keep even the littlest babes totally engaged. $10.98 at Baptism Book This children's book is filled with prayers, simple blessings, and more. It also includes pages where information about his or her baptism can be noted and a spot for well wishes from the gifter. $8.77 at Bible There's no more classic baptism, christening, or dedication gift than a personalized bible that'll grow with the recipient. This one comes in a few different options that will fit a variety of occasions. $35.99 at Embrace Willow Tree sculptures are a timeless gift that are perfect for so many different occasions. This angel version will remind your child that he or she always has heavenly figures watching over. $23.73 at Keepsake Box This heirloom box can be used to store keepsakes from their baptism, special outfits Mom wants to save, or mementos from their first year. No matter what's inside, they'll be thankful to have it in the future. $49.99 at Piece Noah's Ark Puzzle Peg puzzles are perfect f0r teaching babies fine motor skills, and you'll love being able to explain the story of Noah while your little one plays with this fun toy. $17.99 at God Bless Honeycomb Baby Blanket Commemorate the special occasion with this sweet baby blanket he or she can hold onto for years to come! It's embroidered with a beautiful cross and personalized with "God Bless ___." $35.99 at Bracelet Any baby girl would look beautiful in this sweet baby bracelet, which can be worn during and long after the christening ceremony. $39.99 at Loves Me Snow Globe A little girl, a lamb, and a sweet message will make this snow globe a treasured keepsake. We love the pink gingham exterior too. If you're gifting for a little boy, it also comes in an equally adorable option for him. My daughter received this snow globe as a dedication gift and she loves helping me twist the knob to hear the music play and watch as the glitter falls over the baby and lamb. 40.00 at Baby Brush & Comb Set What better way to commemorate such an important day than with a beautiful brush and comb set? This heirloom set will be one she holds on to for decades to come as a special reminder of the day. $59.00 at Hand-Painted Keepsake Box This keepsake trinket box will serve as a precious reminder of her baptism that she'll carry from home to home for years to come. $17.99 at Print Parents are sure to love this personalized print with their little one's name and 1 Samuel 1:27. $20.00 at Bracelet She may need a little bit of time to grow into it, but this rosary bracelet will become a beloved piece of heirloom jewelry she cherishes wearing. $23.90 at Print Each letter of the alphabet shows a different aspect of our relationship with God in this sweet framed print. It comes matted and you can add a frame, as well. $59.00 at Painted Piggy Bank Yes, you can get adorable hand-painted pieces from Amazon! This piggy bank would look precious in any little girl's room. If you're looking for other options for boys and girls, they have tons. $49.99 at Rattle This plush rattle is a great gift for little babies. It'll help them learn how to grasp and is light enough for even the smallest ones to hold easily. $12.74 at Plush Bunny Here's a sweet, fluffy keepsake the family will treasure for years. The name is actually embroidered on the ear instead of just printed so they'll never have to worry about it peeling off. $15.98 at The Lamb Teether This lamb teether is perfectly shaped for little hands to grasp and is made of non-toxic natural rubber. I $20.99 at Baby Booties These warm, cozy knit booties come in options with pink and blue bows, as well. They're perfect for baby to wear for the big day and for church and special occasions later on. $10.50 at You Might Also Like 70 Impressive Tiny Houses That Maximize Function and Style 30+ Paint Colors That Will Instantly Transform Your Kitchen
BBC News
13-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Hundreds gather at Bournemouth beach for mass baptism in the sea
Hundreds of people have taken part in an outdoor service which saw 92 people baptised in the from five churches across Bournemouth gathered next to Boscombe Pier for the Baker, senior minister at Lansdowne Church, led the ceremony described as a celebration of said the public display was to "bring together Christians who believe in Jesus Christ and want to tell the world that". Mr Baker said the church was "alive and kicking" in Bournemouth and it had seen a "quiet revival" post said it felt like a festival and the churches were planning to do similar events in the future for people who were "unashamed" of their faith. Liam Brownen, 35, from Ringwood, was one of those baptised at the Bournemouth collective church beach baptism said the church had helped him to overcome his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction."The second I gave my life to Christ I was instantly relieved of the bondage of addiction," he added that the baptism "means everything to me. I owe my life to Christ so to be baptised in his name is unbelievable". You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
ABC News
25-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Australians are moving away from organised religion but some are bucking the trend
Australians are moving away from organised religion in record numbers, but Samantha Raabe is heading in the opposite direction. Ms Raabe did not grow up in a religious household, but found her own way to faith later in life. "Never in a million years would I imagine that I would be going to church," the 25-year-old said. Her religious epiphany occurred on a trip to Japan, when she was experiencing "the worst day of [her] life". "I was just sitting there, bawling my eyes out, thinking 'I'm in one of the coolest places on earth, why am I so sad?' "And then all of a sudden, I felt this embrace that I'd never felt before, and all I can chalk it up to is the Holy Spirit just wrapping a warm blanket around me and telling me I will never be alone again." After the experience, Ms Raabe posted to a Facebook group inquiring about churches catering to younger people and found Ballarat York Street Church of Christ. She now attends church services every Sunday, has joined church social groups, and was recently baptised. "That day in Japan changed everything … I'm like a new person," she said. Ms Raabe's experience goes against the national trend. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 census showed just 43.9 per cent of Australians were Christians, while the "no religion" cohort had grown to 38.9 per cent. That compares to 1971 census data that showed 86.2 per cent of Australians identified as Christian, while just 6.7 per cent ticked the box marked "no religion". "Particularly, but not only, with Catholicism, there has been widespread disillusion with the church because of a perceived pattern of covering up issues of ministers being involved in child abuse," Monash University Centre for Religious Studies emeritus professor Constant Mews said. According to the ABS, Australia's next biggest religions after Christianity are Islam (3.2 per cent), Hinduism (2.7 per cent) and Buddhism (2.4 per cent) — all of which help comprise the growing "other religion cohort", which has risen from 0.8 per cent in 1971 to 10 per cent in 2021. "One obvious trend is that, as a result of migration from outside Western Europe, there has been rapid growth in Islam and Buddhism," Mr Mews said. "[But] there is also the phenomenon of outside seekers being interested in some of these traditions, perhaps Buddhism most of all, in part through the influence of the Dalai Lama and various Buddhist foundations." Monash University professor of philosophy and religion Graham Oppy said there were a range of reasons why people chose to adopt new religions. Dr Oppy said religion could help combat loneliness and isolation by bringing people together to form communities around worship. "It might be they've become dissatisfied with some elements of their worldview [or] they're feeling that there's something lacking [or] some meaning that's lacking in their lives," he said. "Of course, that goes in the opposite way, too. For people like Ms Raabe, religion brought comfort in difficult times. "Going to church, I've made so many friends that I would have never met otherwise," she said. "It's great having something so special bringing you together and being able to build a relationship off of that. "At 23, I could not go a day without crying, without wanting to drink, without wanting to do drugs. "I could not wake up and be happy with my life, and I thought my life was a joke … [that] nobody loved me, nobody would ever love me. "Now I wake up and I have a new sense of energy, and maybe not even physical energy, but I have this spirit inside of me that's just like, 'Yeah, keep going.' "I'm so excited to see where the future takes me, and even if I'm having the worst day imaginable, it's like, 'You know what? I'll get through it.'"
Times
14-06-2025
- General
- Times
A beer and a baptism at the pub with a mobile christening pool
If you walk into the Mosley Arms as soon as it opens at midday on a Sunday, you might notice that a few of your fellow drinkers look a little damp. This might be because they have just been baptised in a mobile christening pool by a priest who leads a Church of England congregation that calls the Bolton pub its home. The priest and worshippers at New Life Church, Breightmet, do not have a traditional church building to call home, leading them to choose the Mosley Arms, a pub to the east of the city, as their literal and spiritual home for services and also for baptisms of people of all ages once per year. Their services start at 10.30am on Sundays and wrap up as the pub opens its doors at noon, just in time for worshippers to pop in for a pint if they fancy.
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Boyband icon looks worlds away from 90s heyday as he's baptised by Krays' henchman
A BOYBAND icon looks worlds away from his 90s heyday. Getting baptised by the Kray twins ' henchman, an East 17 star looked very different. 7 7 7 East 17 star Terry Coldwell had his head dunked under water by former henchman to the Kray twins Chris Lambrianou. Terry, 50, became one of seven born-again Christians in new snaps. As a public declaration of faith, Terry was dunked under the water in a baptism pool at the River Church in London's East End. 85-year-old Chris Lambrianou, who was once a member of gang 'The Firm' led by Ronnie and Reggie Kray, performed the baptisms with the church's pastor Dave Gill. Speaking about the experience, Terry said: "I've just been baptised and I feel absolutely amazing. "The service has been phenomenal today," he said to MailOnline. He affirmed how "great" he felt and added how it "was a long time coming". He added: "I'm really glad I did it." Chris, who carried out the baptism, spoke about the "spiritual high" he gets from performing them. "Baptising so many people gives me a spiritual high," he told the outlet. Nepo baby boyband made up of four brothers go viral on Instagram - but can you guess who their famous dad is He added: "It's like you cannot buy the feeling I have. That can only come from Jesus Christ. "Trust in him and he will never fail you." East 17's Terry shot alongside Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey and John Hendy in the 90s. The band are perhaps best known for their 1994 Christmas number one Stay Another Day. We don't talk. But I don't hold any grudges. East 17's Terry Coldwell With many lineup changes over the years, Terry has remained as one of the only members to have stuck with the band. Last year, Terry revealed he didn't think a reunion of the original line up would ever be on the horizon. "I've tried to get us together over the years but it all fell through. I've kind of had enough really," he told MailOnline last November. He then said in a recent documentary: "We don't talk. But I don't hold any grudges. "There were good times and there were bad times but that's like in any job. "We lived together basically, we worked for three years without a day off so of course we argued about things. "But I'm grateful for the times I shared with them." 7 7
