What is Baptism?

Baptism is the official term for what is often called "Christening".

It is the historical ritual of entry into the Christian Church and has been ever since the birth of the Christian Church just a few weeks after Jesus' death and resurrection.

Baptism is done by water being poured over one's head three times. The water represents God's washing away of our guilt as he brings our spirit fully into life.

Do We Want Baptism?

One important part of bringing a child into church for baptism is to thank God for the life of a recently born baby. In the Church of England there is a special service of 'Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child'. This service does not require any commitment to the Christian faith from the parents of the child.

Parents who bring their children for baptism, however, have to publicly affirm their own Christian faith. They also have to commit themselves to bring up their child as an active and practising Christian.

For parents who do not want to make a religious commitment, the service of Thanksgiving is a very appropriate alternative. Thanksgiving Services can take place at any time, either in the Church or in the child's home. Please contact the Vicar for more information.

Baptism at St John's

Within the Church of England, it is normal for baptisms to take place within a normal Sunday service. At St John's we do baptisms at two times in each month: at the 9.45am Family Service on the first Sunday of the month; and at a special 3pm (please check the time with George) Baptism Service, usually on the third Sunday of each month.

In order to have a child baptised at St John's, the child's parents must live within the geographical area that is the Parish of St John's. Parents who are on the 'Electoral Roll' of St John's may bring their children for baptism wherever they live.

Booking a Baptism

On Tuesday evenings, 6.30 - 7.30, we have our 'Office Hour' in the church building.

Someone is always available at that time to make a booking and to answer any questions you may have

Baptism Rehearsal

You will be asked to attend a rehearsal in the church. This normally takes place on a Tuesday evening. The rehearsal will be taken by one of the Clergy, normally the one who will baptise your child. 

Godparents

When a child is baptised their parents make for them the promises of Christian Commitment. The parents are joined in this task by other adults who promise to help them to bring the child up as an active and practising Christian.

Each child to be baptised should have at least two 'Godparents'. Godparents must be adults who have been baptised within the Christian Church. The reason for this is that they will be making promises of Christian life and belief for the child and so need to have already made such promises for themselves.

It is possible for potential Godparents to get baptized themselves. For this, they will need to contact their own church; they will probably have to go to some form of preparation course.

Please remember to bring with you the full names (including any middle names) of the godparents you have chosen for your child.

Welcome

One important part of the Baptism Service is the moment when the local Christian Community welcomes its newly baptised member.

This is not possible at the afternoon Baptism Services because the regular congregation is not there. If your child is baptised at a 3pm service, you will be asked to bring them back to the church for the next Family Service (first Sunday of every month).

At the Family Service your child will be formally welcomed into the Christian Community of St John's Church. Their Certificate of Christian Baptism will be presented to you at this time. You do not need to book an appointment; simply turn up.

Do I have to pay?

There is no charge for a baptism on the grounds that membership of the Christian Church should be free to all who are committed to the Christian faith.

Of course, if you wish to make a contribution to the running of St John's church you can do so at any time.

Booking your Wedding

On Tuesday evenings, 6.30 - 7.30, we have our 'Office Hour' in the church building. You do not need to book an appointment; simply turn up. Any enquiries about your wedding can be made at Office Hour. 

What Happens?

When you have chosen a date and time for your wedding, you will be asked to fill in a formal application form. This includes giving details that are required for the marriage certificate.

To secure your chosen date and time, you will be asked to pay a deposit of £30.00.

Banns of Marriage

Most marriages are done by Banns. This is a legal declaration of your intention to marry. It is essential to make sure that all the legal requirements are in order. Without them, the marriage cannot take place.

Banns are usually called on the last three Sundays of the month before the wedding. They must be called in the parish church where each of you live.

Those Banns will be organised as part of your marriage booking. At St John's, Banns are usually called at the 9.45am service on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sundays of the month before your wedding. If one of you lives in another Parish, your Banns will have to be called at that Parish Church too. You will need to contact the church and fill in a Banns Application Form.

There will be a small fee for the publication of your Banns and after they have been called you will need to collect a Banns Certificate. The Banns Certificate MUST be shown to the minister who is taking your wedding.

Where you actually live is important, for Banns rely on strict geographical boundaries. If you are thinking of moving before your wedding, please make sure that you inform us. If Banns are called incorrectly, the legal status of your marriage could be in question. It is a good idea to be at the service when your Banns are called, to make sure that they are being called correctly.  

Payment

We ask that you pay the balance by cheque, 2 months before your wedding date. 

And finally...

...As you prepare for this wonderful event, you may like to think more about what it means to have a Christian marriage. At St John's we offer an informal discussion course on Christianity: just ask at Office Hour for the course dates.