Sacraments.
Baptisms, weddings and funerals.
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Baptisms.
Weddings.
Funerals.
Baptisms. Lorem dolor sit amet.
Baptism is undertaken as an expression of faith and as a means of initiating people into Christ and the faith community we call “the Church.”
It is a celebration of new life, specifically the new life we experience in the context of a life lived in Christian discipleship and Christian community.
The New Testament proclaims that Jesus urged His disciples to “baptize all nations” (Matt. 28). In other words, the new life is meant to be shared. God’s love is meant for the whole world, so in baptizing people, the Church is trying to be faithful to this mandate.
Undertaking Baptism is a sign of spiritual re-birth and a commitment to living intentionally for Christ in the context of the Church. In Baptism God’s grace is conferred, the flowing water symbolizing God’s faithful love for us, which renews us in life.
Baptism is meant to be a key moment of consciously and intentionally becoming what we are meant to be: “children of God,” brothers and sisters in Christ, ambassadors of the Good News.
If they are given wise advice, people do not take to the ocean without preparation and at least some basic information. So it is with the spiritual life. For these services to have any real meaning and validity, they must be accompanied by some awareness of what is required and a real commitment. Services like Weddings, Baptisms, Confirmations, Ordinations, etc. are not undertaken without proper preparation, and a meaningful understanding of the commitment being required.
If you simply wish to have your baby blessed, we would be pleased to celebrate his or her birth that way. To see a child as a gift from God and to seek God’s blessing is a great first step. However, Baptism is much more than merely blessing a child. It is an act of commitment toward living for Christ and with Christ in an intentional life of discipleship and service. It means making a real and permanent commitment to being part of the Church.
To inquire about Baptism for yourself or for your child, please contact the Parish office at (604) 936 7762.
For more information please click here to view and download our baptismal brochure: baptism flyer st john
Weddings Dolor Sit Amet.
Marriage is an expression of love that involves a commitment to a lifelong, faithful relationship with one very special person.
We believe that marriage is a calling – that it is a way of fulfilling our true purpose in life. It is a choice to grow and develop in love and to share life experiences with another person. It provides a context of mutual support and growth, and creates a safe and caring environment in which children can be raised.
The priest will meet with the couple for a period of preparation before a church wedding can take place.
In the intimacy of marriage, we are seen and known for who we truly are. True love allows us to become ourselves and encourages us to continue maturing and developing as a person.
Marriage begins with a formal, legal and spiritual act in which the couple’s relationship is celebrated, ratified, and blessed by the community. In the Anglican tradition, a priest presides at the wedding, and pronounces God’s blessing upon the couple.
Countless people have found that the church ceremony is essential to getting off on the right foot in marriage.
If you would like to consider marriage and a wedding at St. John’s, please contact us at (604) 936 7762.
For more information please click here to view and download the wedding brochure: wedding flyer st john
Funerals. Lorem dolor sit amet.
Death confronts us in the depths of our being. It is a momentous and intimidating event, and it can leave us disoriented and afraid. It is important to find ways of approaching death that allow us to acknowledge it, accept it, and move forward in hope.
From the perspective of faith, dying can be a beautiful and meaningful transition, an opening to new life. The priest and the deacons are always willing to be with someone who is dying, to offer prayer and hope, and to offer a loving and steady presence at a difficult and often frightening time. We will come to either home or hospital and offer “Last Rites,” or prayers for the dying (and for those trying to cope with the loss).
It has been the practice of the Christian Church for many centuries to gather at the time of death in order to reflect and commemorate, to commiserate and comfort, and to express our hope and faith that “in Christ shall all be made alive.” A funeral service (or memorial) is an opportunity for reflection, thanksgiving, prayer, and mutual support, a time to be reassured and upheld by the spiritual resources of the Christian faith.
MEETING WITH THE PRIEST OR THE DEACONS
Grief can be overwhelming, and in addition, people are often swamped by a multitude of tasks that need to be done. Family conflicts can become a factor. People can become very stressed, and making good decisions can become difficult. The priest and the deacons can provide a steady, calm and mediating presence in the midst of the chaos and offer a helpful perspective on things, and we are glad to be there for you at such difficult times.
Typically, families are immediately in touch with one of the funeral homes to deal with practical matters relating to the transport and care of the body, and details about obituary, flowers, cards, etc. However, please notify the priest as soon as possible at (604) 936 7762 of a death and request for service.