Wednesday 21 May 2025
Have you ever felt God’s nudge to be baptised?
‘Baptism’ comes from the Greek word ‘baptizo’ which means ‘to immerse’ and in the Gospels is the first instance where we see the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, present at Jesus’ own baptism. ‘Baptism’ is an important rite of passage for our Anglican School community and is a sacrament that we offer each year to any of our students who wish to take this step of faith.
Last year, a small but dedicated group of students decided to take this next step of faith and engaged in a four-week programme of preparation for baptism that helped them understand more fully what they were saying ‘yes’ to. At the end of those four weeks, the candidates were baptised, with the pouring of holy water, in the Lady Chapel, surrounded by family and close friends. If being baptised into the Christian faith, in the Anglican tradition, is something your son or daughter would like to engage with, I encourage you to have a conversation with them over this coming weekend.
From next week, Week 5, we will be beginning a four-week preparation class for baptism, making the preparation classes available at a time that suits the students. The Baptismal Service will be held at 7pm on Sunday 22 June (Matariki Weekend). Please feel free to drop me an email if you would like to sign up for this special sacrament and I will be sure to be in touch with each student who expresses interest.
Remaining Chapel Services for the Term:
There are three remaining regular services for the term, and they are as follows below. Please note that if you are a student and families from Day Houses, there is an afternoon tea prior to the scheduled service from 5pm. This is an opportunity for families to connect with one another as well as to enjoy some generous hospitality. Boarding families attend their usual pre-service functions.
Sunday 25 May - 6pm Taylor and Averill Houses Sunday Chapel
Sunday 8 June – 6pm Parnell and Major Sunday House Chapel Service
Sunday 8 June – 7.15pm School and Middlemore Sunday Chapel Service
Spiritual Care Conversations:
Finally, part of our role as a King’s Chaplaincy is to provide a safe, non-judgmental and caring Anglican approach to spiritual care. As a trained Spiritual Director, my role is to be a listening ear and a guide to young people asking deep questions about life and faith.
If you or your student has questions about these things, then along with the wrap-around care provided by our House staff and Counselling team, you are most welcome to have a chat as you try to discern what God’s voice and activity may be saying in your life. You can reach out either by dropping by the Chaplaincy offices or by emailing me at g.walters@kingscollege.school.nz
Peace and grace,
Rev Gareth Walters