MESSY Church, at St Mark's, Tattenham Corner, in Guildford diocese, celebrated its first ever Messy christening when a brother and sister, William and Madeleine, together with Chloe, were baptised by the Vicar, the Revd Desmond Williamson. The crafts at the service were designed around the themes of water, oil, the Spirit, and following Christ, besides including the decoration of a cake for a special celebration tea.

"We have had a series on what it means to follow Christ, and how we as disciples can make the world a better place," Mr Williamson says. "There was a wonderful atmosphere as children and adults alike pressed in towards the font to get a good look, as William, Madeleine, and Chloe were baptised." The children responded, with the parents and godparents, to the baptismal questions. "There were close on 100 people present, and, given the high percentage of children, they were very well behaved."

At the end of the service, he asked how many had been baptised, and reminded them of their vows, before sprinkling everyone with water from the font to squeals of delight. The mothers were given vases of tulips, "so they wouldn't feel left out"; and everyone stayed for a buffet tea with christening cake.