St. John’s Baptism Policy

• If you live in the parish, or worship at St. John’s regularly, then it is usually possible to arrange for the baptism to be conducted at St. John’s.

• Baptisms are conducted once a month in the 10am Parish Eucharist and occasionally at 12 noon.

• We would like you to come to church at least three times before the Baptism Sunday and as often as you can afterwards. This will help you to become familiar with our Sunday service and it also means that we can support you.

• As part of our preparation for the baptism we pray daily for those who are to be baptised.

• Although we do not insist that parents and godparents are themselves baptised, we do prefer it; if it is good enough for your child, then it should be good enough for you.

• Adults are usually confirmed following baptism. If you are interested in being confirmed, please contact the Churchwardens (a good time would be after 10.00 Service on Sundays

What does Baptism mean?

Baptism is the sacrament by which we become members of the Christian church. When children are baptised, parents and godparents make promises on their behalf to bring them up in the Christian way of life.

In addition to the promises that are made, there are three important symbols in the Baptism Service:

• The sign of the cross made on the candidate’s forehead.

• The washing with water at the font.

• The giving of a lighted candle.

Practicalities

• You can have as many godparents as you like and there is no set number of men and women. The important thing is to choose people who understand the responsibility they will be taking on and who will carry
out their promises.

• You will be presented with a certificate of baptism.

• Please arrive at church in good time for the service. We will reserve seats for your
family and friends.

To be Baptised is to become a member of the Christian family.

Fees

There is no fee for Baptism, but we would ask you to consider making a donation to church funds.

It costs £1000 a week to run St. John’s and we receive no help from the central funds of the Church of England or the state. The money must be raised by those attending or supporting St. John’s.

We are therefore extremely grateful for any contributions received to maintain and develop the work of St. John’s in Purbrook to ensure as far as
we can that the church is here for the Baptism of
the children of future generations.

For further detailsor queries, please contact the Churchwardens@stjohnspurbrook or 'phone 02392266170

Services at St. John the Baptist Church, Purbrook

Every Sunday

8am Holy Communion
(Book of Common Prayer traditional language)

10am Parish Eucharist
(with Kidzone for 3—12 year olds in Term time (and some holidays, see out Clubs page for contact)
round)

6pm Evening Prayer (4th Sunday Choral Evensong)

Weekdays:- See the panel on the upper right of this page, but also see our weekly newsletter lower right on oour home page