Weddings
Congratulations if you are planning and preparing for marriage.
We would be delighted to hear from you and to help you if you are considering a church wedding. It may help you to know that you may marry in a Church of England church if you can show:
That one of you
- lives in the parish or
- is on the church’s electoral roll or
- has at any time lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or
- has at any time regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least six months or
- was baptised in the parish or
- was prepared for confirmation in the parish or
That one of your parents, at any time after you were born
- has lived in the parish for a period of at least six months or
- has regularly gone to normal church services in the parish church for a period of at least six months or
That one of your parents or grandparents
- was married in the parish.
We will be very happy to help and to answer any queries that you may have, including the likely cost of a wedding in church. The Church of England has produced a very informative website, with links to various elements of the service, such as some suggested hymns and readings, at www.yourchurchwedding.org
Baptisms
Baptism is a very special and important part of the ministry of the Church. We often think of babies and young children in relation to baptism, but we are also here to help you if you are the parent of an older child or an adult considering baptism.
There is no cost for a baptism and it is our usual practice to present the person who is being baptised with a candle, a certificate and certificates for their godparents.
Godparents
The selection of godparents requires careful thought and prayer. These are the people who promise to pray for those being baptised and to support them in their spiritual growth. They might be a member of your family or a friend. Godparents must themselves have been baptised and it is usual to choose at least three: two are to be of the same sex as the child, and one is to be of the opposite sex.
Wherever and whenever possible we like to hold baptisms as part of one of our main Sunday services, and so please do get in touch with us and we will be pleased to come and visit you and to offer you more information.
Funerals
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. -Jesus (John 11:25-26)
If you need to arrange a Funeral in one of the churches in the Parish, in the first instance it is best to contact one of our local Funeral Directors. The Funeral Director will have an initial meeting with you and will then be in touch with ourselves. We will then come and visit you to talk through the arrangements and to offer you support.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
We hope that all of this information is helpful. Please do contact us if we can be of help to you in the preparing and planning of these services.