Baptism

Baptism means “washing” (being washed in God’s Spirit of love and life) and Christening means “being made like Christ”, (Jesus was anointed by God’s Spirit to bring in God’s kingdom).  Whatever word we use, it is a reminder of God’s unconditional love for each of us and a sign of our calling to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  It is a sacrament – an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. Baptism speaks of our identity as children of God and our commitment to walk in the ways of God as best we can throughout our lives. Through baptism we are welcomed into the Church, not just St. John’s or Holy Innocents', and not just the Church of England, but the world-wide Church which we speak of as the Body of Christ. In baptism, we celebrate God’s love and embrace for God’s people as unconditional and absolute; we proclaim that "Christ claims you for his own", making it a sacrament that is done only once in a person’s life.

Baptism is also a time when the community of faith gathers to renew its own commitment to Christ and to joyfully support those who are being baptized in their life in Christ. So it is appropriate that baptism takes place, whenever possible, in the midst of the congregation during the  Communion service on a Sunday. If, for whatever reason, it needs to take place at a different time, we ask that the parents come with their child to at least one morning service before the date of baptism.

In the early Church, adult baptisms were the norm as more and more people heard and responded to the message of Jesus. Adult baptisms continue to be the cause for great celebration. We encourage adults who are exploring the Christian faith at St. John’s or Holy Innocent's to discuss the possibility of baptism with us.
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If you would like to discuss baptism for your child or for yourself, please do get in touch. You will be most welcome!

Get in touch about a Baptism