GETTING BAPTISTED AT ST JOHN-AT-HACKNEY
The gift of baptism symbolises so much about what it means to be a Christian, and how much God loves us, demonstrated through the life and death of Jesus Christ. Indeed, at Baptism people become full members of the Church of Christ. Following Jesus' resurrection in Matthew’s Gospel , he gives his followers The Great Commission – to preach the good news of Jesus and to baptise in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptism was so important to Jesus that he himself was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, to signify the beginning of his ministry.

Baptism is not about getting the Baby “done”, neither is it some sort of superstitious nonsense about getting evil out of the child. Baptism is about new life, a life in Jesus Christ, a life of hope and life of love. The symbolism of the emerging from water, reminds us of Jesus’ ability to forgive and heal, and Baptism is seen as the beginning of that journey which will ultimately lead us to eternal life.

Please don’t use this just as an excuse for a party – what you are contemplating has eternal consequences.

WHEN CAN BAPTISM TAKE PLACE?
Baptism at St John’s takes place on Sunday mornings at 10am. It forms a focal point of the Sunday Service. We do not offer private Baptism at St John’s except in emergencies.
The Sundays when Baptism at St John’s is offered will be:

22 Jan
19 Feb
8 April (Easter Day at 10am)
20 May
15 July
16 Sept
4 Nov

HOW MIGHT I PREPARE?
This is one of the most important choices you will ever make.

Pray for God’s guidance that Baptism is the right choice. Both you and the Godparents will be publicly saying that you believe in Jesus and will bring your child up as Christians and bring them to Church.

HOW MANY GODPARENTS CAN I HAVE?
Godparents are really important. They should be Christian people that you trust; who you know will pray for your child and support you as a parent. Traditionally people have three Godparents, but there is no absolute number.

COST
Your child’s Baptism cost Jesus his life. In response to this, our Baptism is fre. However donations for the ministry of St John-at-Hackney, may be offered.

HOW SHOULD I PROCEED?
Speak to Emily the Parish Administrator for more details.
020 8985 5374 Ext 222 or admin@stjohnathackney.org.uk

Further information can be found at:
The Diocese of London
www.london.anglican.org|
The Church Of England
www.cofe.anglican.org