Summer Baptism at St Philip's

Sunday, August 24th, we celebrated the baptism of Ziva Salomons. Ziva, whose name is from the Hebrew for light, or brightness, is the second child of Michelle and Geoff Salomons. Michelle and Geoff are now living in Edmonton, but have a strong connection to St Philip's where Michelle grew up and where the couple met.

For the Children's Focus that day, John invited those children who were present to gather around the font. Together they helped him pour the water that was used for Ziva's baptism. Then we were all asked to think about the place of water in our lives.

 
Ziva's godmother Melanie and her family were invited to present Ziva to the congregation before the baptism.

After the baptism itself, Ziva is welcomed into the community with applause as John carries her through the congregation. This is just one way that the whole community is involved in the celebration of baptism. We also renew our own baptismal promises at every baptism joining us to those who are making these promises for the first time and those who made them before us and in other places.

 
Ziva is then given the light of Christ in the form of a baptismal candle. Every time we do a baptism at St Philip's we have a member of the parish give the candle to the person being baptized (or their accompanying adult). This is another way that the congregation is involved in each baptismal celebration.

Many congratulations to Ziva and her family on her baptism!