Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

For arranging Baptisms, Confirmations and Marriages or to discuss matters relating to a funeral service please contact the Vicar (tel. 01663 762068). We consider it a great privilege to share with families in these significant life events and are pleased to answer any questions you may have.

More information about these significant life events can be found on the Church of England website:
http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/ 

Wanting to get married in St Mary’s or St John’s Church?

If so, the date and time of your wedding should be fixed as soon as possible with the Vicar and a booking form completed and signed.  At present the law requires that the bride or groom must reside in the parish or be on our electoral roll. However by the end of 2008 a change in the law is expected that will make it easier for couples to get married in our churches if they have family connections.

We encourage couples preparing for marriage to attend Sunday worship as regularly as possible. The Vicar will want to meet with you two or three times before your wedding, as well as any initial booking-in procedure, to discuss plans for the service and to look through the marriage vows with you. We are also planning to organise a half-day ‘Life Together’ course twice yearly which we hope couples preparing for marriage will find helpful. You will be invited to attend one of the sessions.

Marriage blessings, anniversary thanksgivings and reaffirmation of marriage vows can also be arranged.

Funerals

In arranging the time and date of a funeral service it is usual, and most helpful, if  the first point of contact is the Funeral Director but the Vicar is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

Wanting baptism for yourself or your child?

We operate an open baptism policy for children of families living within our parish, on our electoral roll or with other connections to the church.  In the case of adults or teenagers, a course of preparation and commitment of faith is expected. Re-affirmation of baptismal vows can also be arranged.

Baptism of children normally takes place during the All Age Service on the first Sunday of the month. Parents are encouraged to bring their child to the 9.30am Story-Telling Service (35mins) both before and after the baptism service. The Application Form is generally completed there too. There is no charge for baptisms.