St. Alban’s Priest-in-Charge Dr. Mark Barwick writes:

Baptism is the sacrament of initiation by water and the Spirit into the life of Christ’s Body, the Church. Those baptised at an early age are encouraged to make a more mature commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism through the rite of Confirmation by the laying on of hands by a bishop.

Youth and adult classes in preparation for Baptism and Confirmation will begin soon. These are interactive sessions designed to help candidates explore their faith and how to live faithfully in the world. The classes are also appropriate for those who would like to reaffirm their baptismal faith or to be received into the communion of the Church of England.

If you or someone in your family would like to enrol in these sessions, please speak with Fr Mark after the service or give him a call at 07 71 13 38 83.

St. Alban’s Priest-in-Charge Dr. Mark Barwick writes:

Christians have celebrated the Epiphany from very early times. The word Epiphany means “manifestation.” When Magi came from far places to Bethlehem, it marked the manifestation of the Christ to the nations. It signified that the Promise would be for all peoples and not just for a select few.

Epiphany reminds us that Christ is about openness and welcome in contrast to the fear and exclusionary politics of our times. It challenges our thinking in terms of we-them and moves us to see the interconnection of all people and indeed of all creation. In the starlight of Epiphany, our divisions are exposed and all pretence of entitlement or privilege is laid bare.

We are all simply children of the one God, yearning for the fulfilment of the promise made in Bethlehem. The promise of a new creation. wrapped in human flesh, is still relevant for us today. This is why wise men (and women) still follow him.

L’arrivée des mages à Bethléem, provenant de loin, a marqué la manifestation du Christ aux nations. Cela signifiait que la Promesse serait pour tous les peuples et pas seulement pour quelques élus.

L’Epiphanie (« la manifestation ») nous rappelle que la venue du Christ annonce l’ouverture et l’accueil, contrairement à la peur et à la politique d’exclusion qui caractérisent notre temps. Elle nous pousse apercevoir l’interconnexion de toute personne et de toute la création. Dans la lumière de l’étoile de l’Epiphanie, nos divisions sont exposées et toute prétention de l’élitisme et du privilège est mise à nu.

Nous sommes tous les enfants d’un seul Dieu, qui attendent l’accomplissement de la promesse faite à Bethléem. Cette promesse d’une nouvelle création, enveloppée dans la chair humaine, est toujours pertinent pour nous aujourd’hui. Voilà pourquoi les sages le suivent encore de nos jours.

Mark+