Christening &Dedication
Since the very earliest days of the Church parents have brought their children to be baptised (which is sometimes referred to as 'Christening') in a ceremony which helps them to express their love for their child and celebrate the gift of life. During the service the child is baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit using water. This symbolises the beginning of the child’s journey of faith and their becoming part of the Body of Christ – the worldwide Christian church.
Baptism represents a commitment on the part of the parents and Godparents to bring their children up within a Christian family, to teach them about their faith and to come to church regularly as a family. Some parents may not wish to make this commitment at this stage in a child’s life and SJSP church also offer a service of thanksgiving following the birth of a child.
We would love to talk to you more if you would like your child baptised.
"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6
Baptism
In the New Testament of the Bible – the part written after Jesus’ time on earth - we read how people came to faith and were baptised to symbolise their new life as followers of Christ. All four gospels tell us Jesus himself was baptised in the River Jordan and the spirit of God descended on him like a dove and a voice from heaven said; “This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”In baptism a person becomes part of the family of God, adopted into the family of Christ.
Adult baptism has always been an important part of the life of the church as new believers publicly declare their faith in God and are symbolically joined with Christ and his death and resurrection. Usually the baptism takes place after a time of preparation where the adult is taught the basics of the Christian faith and learns what it is to live as a follower of Christ.
Confirmation service are also available for those people who were baptised as a child and who have now come to faith in Jesus can ‘confirm’ the declarations that were made by their parents and Godparents at their baptism. Usually,when an adult is being baptised the baptism, confirmation and the first communion takes place in one service.
We would love to support you on this journey. Please contact us for further information.
"Baptism is an outward testimony of an inward transformation.."
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27
Weddings
Getting married in church is a sign to your friends, family and most importantly to each other that you are ready to make a public declaration of love and commitment in front of those who love you and are part of your life together, including God.
During the service you will make vows promising to love each other throughout your lifetime and stick together through thick and thin. Fr Ian will ask for God’s blessing on your marriage and there will be opportunity to have readings, hymns, prayers and a short talk.
All you need to plan your church wedding, from the legal aspects of marriage to a ceremony planner, and including frequently asked questions, visit www.yourchurchwedding.org
You will be offered marriage preparation sessions in order to help you as you start your married life and support from the Church once married. We encourage you to attend our regular Church service to see if this is the right place for you.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh."
Genesis 2:24
Funerals
We realise that the death of a loved one, and the arranging of their funeral is going to be so very important to you, and we want to assure you that we at St John’s & St Peter’s believe it to be of great importance too.
It is a wonderful privilege for us to be involved with your family at this very sensitive time. Fr Ian is available to offer you as much help and support as you need.
We can come out to support you at the moment of death and when you are making the funeral arrangements
We are happy to discuss the content of the service with you in full and involve as many members of the family as you would wish. It is important to us all that the service adequately reflects the person we are commemorating.
If you would like to discuss a funeral with us in more detail, Contact Us