Ceremonies - Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals
The Church community is a place where we celebrate all aspects of our lives with one another. This is especially the case for significant events such as when someone joins the Church family in baptism, when two people are united in marriage and when we say goodbye to our loved ones and celebrate their lives after they have died.
Even if you are not currently a regular Church attender, we will be privileged to help you celebrate these milestones.
"A service of baptism includes images and symbols that express our faith: people, water, font, oil and light"
Baptism (Christening)
Baptism (also called Christening) enables us to make a response to God's love either through the faith of parents and godparents or personally as an adult believer. When a person is baptised, that person becomes a part of the Church and part of the Christian family. It is a new start to life as we commit ourselves to following Christ and being one of Christ’s representatives in the world. A service of baptism includes images and symbols that express our faith: people, water, font, oil and light.
At St John’s, baptism is celebrated when the church meets for worship at the regular Sunday 10am Eucharist or during a separate baptismal service according to your preference and after discussion with the Vicar.
Baptism of Children
Your child is precious to you and precious to God. You want the very best for them and so does God. You want them to make right choices in life, for themselves and for others. A christening service marks the beginning of this and so much more. During a christening your child will be baptised with water.
It is the start of a journey of faith for your child and a special day for all your friends and family. If you have a child who you would like to be baptised, please contact us to talk about it.
Adult Baptism
In the Anglican Church infant baptism (christening) is the most common, however anyone can be baptised at any age. If you are exploring your own faith and would like to talk about baptism, please contact the Vicar to talk about it.
"Our church is a special place.
It has a beautiful yet simple interior which we hope will make your wedding day memorable"
Weddings
A wedding is one of life's great moments, a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. At St John’s, we value the opportunity to celebrate with couples thankful to God for their love for each other and wanting to ask God's blessing for the years ahead.
Our church is a special place. It has a beautiful yet simple interior which we hope will make your wedding day memorable. And it is so much more than simply a venue for your wedding! There are some things about a church wedding that you just can’t get anywhere else. Unique and special things become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond. The marriage service is a service of worship of God during which two people publicly declare their love for each other and promise to journey together in that love for the rest of their lives, in good times and in difficult times.
As the weddings are in an Anglican church, they celebrate God's blessing upon the couple and the Church's blessing and prayers for their continued happiness and mutual support. You will be able to choose from one of three marriage service forms offered by the Anglican Church, each of which has a slightly different feel. You will be then able to add the hymns and readings you like. We will happily work with you to make your day special.
We also have a hall, kitchen and lounge available for hire for you to continue your celebrations. Please talk to us about this possibility.
"The death of a loved one is one of life's greatest challenges. It is our privilege to support you on that journey of saying goodbye"
Funerals
The death of a loved one is one of life's greatest challenges. It is our privilege to support you on that journey of saying goodbye.
For those wishing to say goodbye to their loved ones in a sanctuary of peace, St John’s offers a special setting. Together with you and your funeral director, we tailor a service to meet the wishes of you and your loved ones.
A funeral service marks the close of a human life on earth. It is an opportunity for family and loved ones to acknowledge that someone has died and say goodbye, to express their grief and to give thanks for the life which has now completed its journey in this world. A funeral also offers the family and loved ones support and consolation.
Although there is sadness because someone you know and love has died, in every funeral at St John’s there will be a message of hope in life after death. Christians have always believed that there is hope in death as in life and that there is renewed life, in Christ, after death.
We also have a hall, kitchen and lounge available for hire for after service fellowship.
St. John's Funeral Service Guide
Download our brief guide to planning a funeral service.
This booklet is designed to help you if you are planning the funeral of a loved one or if you are thinking ahead about your wishes for your own funeral.
St. John's Bereavement Leaflet
This leaflet provides support information for dealing with grief after the loss of someone you love and care about.
Full printed copies are available from our Parish Office