Christenings (baptisms)

Jacob Sims-Williams 5289714302

It is always a joy to welcome children and adults into the Christian faith and the community of believers through baptism (or christening). Anyone who lives in the parish is entitled to have their child baptised at St John's and we also welcome enquiries from anyone with a strong family link to the church.

In baptism people are becoming part of God’s family, and for that reason, baptisms usually take place during the 10.00 am Sunday service or, in special circumstances, at midday after that service.

Baptism involves the person being baptised, or their parents, making declarations of faith in Christ and promising to put Christ first in their lives. One of our clergy team will be delighted to meet with you to talk through the commitments that are made in a service of baptism.

For those parents who are unsure whether they want to make these commitments, we are always delighted to arrange a Service of Thanksgiving for your child, and to make this a very special service of celebration and welcome for family and friends.

As a church we take seriously the commitment we make during the baptism service to support the newly-baptised in their journey of faith – whether they are babies, older children or adults. We encourage the newly-baptised, and those who are thinking about baptism, to become fully involved in the life of the church through our Sunday services and our various activities and groups.

If you would like to discuss a baptism service, do come along to a Sunday morning service and speak to one of the clergy team.

The church and its gardens are a lovely place for photographs after the service and the St John’s Centre a great venue for a post-christening party.

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Planning your Visit

New to Church?

If you are planning your first visit to St John’s, welcome! We hope the information below will help you.

Our Sunday morning services begin at 10.00am. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our welcoming team who will help you find somewhere to sit and will give you a service booklet and a hymn book. Please see our ‘Sunday services’ page for more details of services and times.
We serve tea, coffee and biscuits after the morning service and we hope very much that you will stay for a chat. All refreshments are free.

Accessibility: There is wheelchair access through powered double doors, and an accessible toilet. We have a small car park, and there is free parking on a Sunday in the surrounding streets. You may wish to arrive 10-15 minutes early if you need a parking space close to the church.

You can expect:
- A warm welcome, with everything you need to follow the service easily;
- Beautiful music in the English choral tradition at both Sunday services, led by the St John's choir and organist;
- A talk or sermon, usually focused on the readings we have heard;
- On Sunday and Wednesday mornings, tea or coffee afterwards and time to chat with others.

What about children?
We have a regular Children’s Church on Sunday mornings for 4-11 year-olds. The children learn about the same Bible readings we are hearing in church, with games, activities and prayers. We also have an All-Age service, where everybody worships together, on the first Sunday of each month. Find out more about Children's Ministry.