Baptisms and Weddings

BAPTISMS

What is baptism?
Baptism (traditionally known as Christening) is the fundamental act of Christian initiation and is a sacrament or sign of the link between what is divine and what is human. Jesus issued a command to his disciples to:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.

At baptism your child is welcomed as part of the family of the Church, which is why baptism  takes place during a Sunday Service.  At All Saints' baptisms take either in the J-Club service which is held in the Church Hall on the first Sunday of each month, or in a family service held in the church on the third Sunday of the month

In baptism, the child is not just joining the local church family or the Church of England, but the whole Christian Church across the globe and eternal down the ages.

In the baptism service, parents and godparents will be asked to make promises on behalf of the child. 

The Symbols of Baptism
A candle is used at the baptism to symbolise the light and peace of Christ and to remind the baptised that they must 'walk in the light'.

Water is used to symbolise spiritual cleansing and the washing away of sin. The washing is a symbol that you have died to your old life and been 'born again' in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The sign of the Cross is made on the forehead of the child or candidate and is the symbol of Christ crucified for our sins.

 Who can be baptised?
Anyone who lives within the parish can be baptised at All Saints', providing you have not been baptised before. As long as you understand the meaning of baptism for yourself or your child and you are willing to make the promises in the Baptism Service, you are welcome.
If you find it difficult to make the promises required in a Baptism Service, or are reluctant to pursue Baptism for some other reason, it is possible to have a service of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child.

When do baptisms take place?
Baptisms for children and adults are normally held at 10.00 am during the J-Club Service on the first Sunday of the month or at a family service on the third Sunday of the month.   

How do we find out more or arrange Baptism?
Please Contact us for more details. Normally you will meet together with one of the ministers to discuss the meaning of Baptism and whether it is right for you, following which the service will be arranged.

 

All enquiries in respect of Baptism should be made to...Alan Gostelow (01932 343187)

WEDDINGS

Getting married is one of the most important steps that anyone takes. So as we welcome you to All Saints' and share the joy of your special day, we also want to help you in your preparation for your marriage.
You may already be involved in a host of preparations and be realising how much is involved. But the most important thing is preparing yourselves by thinking carefully about what your marriage will mean to you.
At All Saints' preparation for marriage involves a series of discussion sessions with the Vicar as well as a rehearsal in church before the service.

At present there are some legal limitations on who can marry in a particular Church of England church. Basically you have to either live in the parish or have had a genuine and longstanding connection with the parish and church. If you are in either situation in relation to All Saints', and would like to know how we approach marriage, and would like more information please contact the Vicar.

All enquiries in respect of Weddings and the publication of Banns of Marriage should be made to the Reverend Ruth Gostelow  (01932 343187).