Who we are:
St John's Shaughnessy Anglican Church, Vancouver is a community of Christians dedicated to the exposition and teaching of the Word of God, to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel at home and abroad, and to the application of God's purpose in our own lives and families.
ceremonies > baptism
There are two sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord in the gospel: baptism and communion.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby Christians are separated from others, but it is also a sign of regeneration or new birth. Those that are baptised are grafted into the Church: receiving the promises of forgiveness of sin, being adopted to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; confirmed in faith.
The baptism of young children is a Christian sacrament for Christian parents. It is a way to claim God’s blessing on the child. As well, the parents and godparents make very serious promises to raise the child up in a godly manner.
Adult baptism is better described as “believer’s baptism”. It is typically initiated by individuals who have received Jesus Christ as their personal savior and have made a decision to be obedient to the command of Christ through this public declaration. In Matthew 16:16, Jesus said: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Services of holy baptism for both children and adults are scheduled regularly throughout the year. The date of the next baptism is announced in both the Parish Life Notes, and on this website. If you are interested in having your child baptised, or if you wish to be baptised yourself, please contact Nancy Williams for further details. You will be required to meet with a member of clergy who will go over the baptism application form with you. This meeting will be followed by an evening of baptism preparation for both parents and godparents.
