Baptisms
Baptism is the first step of an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, friends, family and the church. You don't have to have been baptised yourself and you don't have to have been a regular churchgoer. A baptism is just the beginning of a lifelong journey which you will undertake together with your child.
In the service the parents, godparents and congregation make some important promises for the child. To learn more about this and why we love baptisms so much at St Mark’s, we ask that you join us for baptism preparation before the special day.
At St Mark’s we also offer a Service of Thanksgiving/Dedication if you don’t feel able to make the baptism promises for your child or if you want them to make the decision to be baptised for themselves later on.
It is never too late to be baptised. If you have questions about baptism for yourself or for your child, do get in touch with us. We will be delighted to hear from you to talk about it!
Weddings
At St Mark’s we are excited about marriage! It is a very special union and a blessing from God. In the wedding service we use the phrases “..From this day forward..” and “..As long as you both shall live..” This means that after you are married you have a new legal status, possibly a new name and a new family unit. It also means that your choices will always include another person in partnership with you, through good times and tough times. And importantly, you invite the blessing and guidance of a loving God into your relationship to help you navigate all this and do life as His children together.
A verse in the Bible (Mark 10:8), which speaks of the committed relationship between a man and a woman, describes it as becoming ‘one flesh’. This is more than just a reference to physical intimacy. When you become this close to someone, and know them so well, it provides a sense of security, with an expectation that they will always be there for you, on your side and by your side. You may like to pray together, pray for each other, take time to be thankful and count the blessings God brings you throughout your marriage.
Your church is always here for you, not just for your wedding day but for all of your married life, through good times and tough times. Your church can offer a confidential listening ear, prayer and friendship at any time you need it. On your wedding day, you invited God to be part of it all, and He will be, directly and through your church family, wherever you find that to be. We would love for you to contact us at St Mark’s to find out more!
Funerals
When someone dies, there are so many feelings involved and also so much to think about and to organise. We understand how difficult this can be, but are here to help you say your final goodbye in a way that really helps. God is with you and your church will help you through it. Anyone is able to ask a Church of England minister to take a funeral for someone they knew and loved. Neither the person who has died nor the person asking has to be a regular churchgoer. Church of England ministers will take the funeral service for anyone who lives in their parish.
The message at all Church of England funerals, wherever they happen, is one of hope. Although there is sadness because someone you know and love has died, in every Church of England funeral there will also be a message of hope in life after death. Christians believe that when we die, through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, life after death is a reality available to us all. That is the message everyone will hear when they come to a funeral at St Mark’s Church.
The funeral will reflect the unique life of the person you knew. Whatever will help to make the funeral special, such as music, hymns, readings, tributes can all be part of the funeral. From the moment you are in touch with us, throughout the funeral service and for as long as you need us afterwards, we are here for you. Please do contact us at St Mark’s Church, we would be honoured to walk with you through the difficult times and help in any way we can.
If you would like to contact us regarding a Wedding, Baptism or Funeral, please feel free to contact us using the form opposite.
