Baptism, Confirmation & Weddings
Baptism
Baptism is the way that children (and adults) can become part of
the church, and mark the beginning of their journey of faith with
God. Parents are welcome to contact Revd Ann, our minister, to
discuss possible dates and to talk about what is involved. One of
the clergy will visit the family to discuss the service and provide
information for parents and God-parents. The baptism usually
takes place during an All Age Service. Separate Family Baptisms
can also be arranged, followed by a Welcome at an All Age Service
later. We pray for all our baptism children and keep in touch with
them with anniversary cards etc. Our Children’s Minister offers to
visit all our baptism families when the children are 4-5 to discuss
their faith development.
Communion and Confi rmation
Children who are 8 and over, and come regularly to church (e.g.
to All age Services) may be admitted to Holy Communion after a
short series of preparatory meetings.
Contact: Revd Ann (730770)
Young people may join a Confi rmation Preparation
Group. They must be at least 10 (but may want to wait until later
in their teens). In this group they can explore their understanding
of the Christian faith, and prepare to make their own step of
commitment at our Confi rmation Service, this year on 25th April.
Contact Revd Ann (730770)
Adult Confi rmation
We also offer an opportunity for adults to explore their faith
– whether a new faith, or a time to refresh belief, in a course
of discussions called Growing Together, held in the evenings
during the Spring. Afterwards there is an opportunity to make an
Affi rmation of Faith or be baptised and confi rmed.
Weddings
We are always delighted when a couple want to be married in one of our
churches, and happy to work with them to plan the service, and to think
about the meaning of marriage.
Can anyone be married in church?
To be married in a church, the law says that either one of the couple
should have a home (or ‘home address’) in the parish, or a family link
there. The new marriage measure has relaxed these rules and now
include grandparent residency and where people have been baptised or
confi rmed in one of our churches. If this is the case, and if neither partner has been divorced,
then there should be no problem.
What if one of us has been married before, and divorced?
The Church of England has revised its response to this increasingly
common situation at the moment, trying to balance what we believe
about marriage being a commitment for life with the gospel message
that God offers us all a new start. Revd Ann will meet with couples in this
situation to work through whether their particular circumstances fi t the
guidelines given by the Bishop, and if so whether it is possible for them
to be married in church. If we are unable to offer a full church wedding,
we are very pleased to arrange a dedication or blessing of the marriage
in a simple service.
How much does a church wedding cost?
It varies a little, but generally the cost is about £3-400. The ‘fees’ go
towards the local church, the organist, bell ringers and verger, and the
costs of having a paid minister.
What should we do if we want to get married in St. Mary’s or All
Saints?
Contact Revd Ann to discuss possible dates. She will ask you to meet her
before you make fi rm arrangements, and will give you all the information
you need. Nearer the time of the wedding, she or Revd Lynne will go
through the service with you, and look at what it says about the meaning
of marriage.
Just before the wedding, we will take those involved through a short
rehearsal, so that you can really enjoy the day itself.
