HOLY BAPTISM - CHRISTENING

Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan and God the Father publically declared Him to be His Son. This is recorded in all four Gospels.

The rite of baptism that Jesus underwent (as an example to us) involved an acceptance of the repentance for past sins, a desire to lead a new life (with God) and water poured over the head is a symbol of cleansing. This rite developed into the Christian Baptism with which we are familiar.

Following Good Friday and Easter, when Jesus Christ blessed and left the Apostles to be with God the Father in Heaven (the Ascension) He commanded them to teach, to make disciples of all nations and to baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

In the Acts of the Apostles, which records the development of the early Church, both the baptism of adults who profess belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (and become active members of the Church) and the baptism of children (if believing parents) is found.

After the period of development of the Church to the general Councils (4th & 5th Century) the agreed practice of the Church with regard to baptism was settled for all time.

The original word we use for baptism means a complete initiation to a new life (in Christ). It consists of three parts:-

The first part is water baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This is the outward sign of washing and the inward grace is the cleansing from sin which enables is to be declared a son or daughter of God.

 The second part is the blessed oil called Chrism which is used to mark us with the sign of the cross as belonging to Christ for ever - as a Christian. This is why the rite is sometimes called christening or being made part of Christ, 'in-Christ' = christ - en - ing.

The third part is the laying of hands with prayer (as one read in the Acts of the Apostles) and this is done by the Bishop. It is called Confirmation.

Children who can answer for themselves and adults who seel Baptism and Confirmation have lessons over 6 months. These consist of videos to watch, booklets to read, printed lessons, discussions and an exploration of tthe church building and its artefacts.

The Baptism with water and chrism takes place at the Easter Vigil (the night before Easter Sunday) by candlelight. This is truly meorable and is followed by a party. The lessons begin at 6pm on the first Sunday of February.

The Confirmation with the laying on of hands takes place in October. The lessons continue from the Baptism lessons and then from May with a break in the Summer holidays.

Baptism and Confirmation candidates are expected to play a full and active part in the life of the church and to join the Electoral Roll (membership list).

Please contact us if you would like to find out more.

Tel: (020) 8844 0457