Life Events
Thinking About Getting Married?
Congratulations on deciding to make this public declaration of love to
each other. In a world where there is so much bad news, this is definitely a 'good news story'.
Be assured of our good wishes and prayers as you plan and make arrangements in the months ahead and as you embark on a shared life together.
Christians believe that marriage is a 'gift from God' intended to be a creative and secure place where two people can
grow together in faithful love and intimacy. It is regarded as providing a stable and secure foundation for family life and reflects God's love within our homes and in the wider community.
By choosing to get married in a church you will be inviting God into your celebrations and into your lives. This is reflected in the words of the service. There are some words that are required
to make the service (and your marriage) legal, but there is also space for you to add your own music and readings and to involve family and friends etc.
Even if you aren't a Christian, you can still get married in a church. You don't have to be baptised and if you or your partner have been divorced it may still be possible to marry in church.
Alternatively, you might choose to have a Service of Blessing following a civil ceremony.
At present the rules of the Church of England state that marriage can only take place between a man and a woman. If you identify as a same sex couple and are planning to marry, this will need to be a civil ceremony. However, if you would like to talk about your plans and future marriage please get in touch
What is the Next Step?
Contact Revd Liz on 01373473249 revlizdudley@gmail.com
In the months before your wedding, you can expect to meet with the Minister taking the service several times. This is an opportunity to prepare for your marriage and even if you already live together, it is a good
opportunity to pause and reflect of what is already good about your relationship. There will also be an opportunity to create your service and to think about what is important to you. Before the wedding there is a rehearsal in church.
Covid19
In the current situation weddings are jot permitted except in extreme circumstances. We are still able to plan for the future and look beyond the present difficulties so please do not hesitate to get in
touch.
Thinking about baptism?
Every parent wants the best for their child. As we care about our child's physical, mental, emotional development, it is also important to consider their spiritual well being and growth.
In many ways, our care for our children reflects the way that God (our Father/Mother) cares for each and every one of us here on Earth.
Baptism marks the beginning of a journey of faith that will last for the of rest of our lives. Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan and we are told that as he came
up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended on him as a dove, and the voice of God was heard expressing His utter delight in His Son. By thinking about baptism we are
responding (however tentatively) to the delight that God feels in us. We love God because He loved us first.
So baptisms are a joyful occasion when we join the fellowship of the world-wide Christian Church and become members of the Body of Christ.
Thr ough baptism, 'God calls us out of the darkness into His marvellous light."
Christian believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that by following his example and his teaching we can live lives that reflect God's love and so be drawn ever more deeply into the heart of God. It is a way of life that
shows love for God, for each other and for the planet we share.
How do I arrange a Baptism?
The first step is to is contact Revd Liz on 01373 473249 or vicar@christchurch-stmarys-frome.co.uk
Baptisms can take place during the regular Sunday Morning service. It is also possible to hold Baptism Service at 12.45pm on a Sunday.
You might be feeling unsure about whether baptism is right for you and your child in which case a Service of Thanksgiving can be held. Please talk this through with Revd Liz if you wish to.
God parents play an important role and you may wish to spend time choosing the right people. The rules of the Church of England require all Godparents to be baptised. If a person you have chosen is not baptised, they
can be sponsor rather than a God parent and this celebrates the unique and special relationship they have with your child. Again, please do not hesitate to talk with Revd Liz.
For adults considering baptism, the biggest difference will be that you are declaring for yourself your desire and intention to be a follower of Jesus Christ. To prepare for this there Is a six session
course that you will be invited to participate in with people who have helped you in your journey so far and perhaps some members of our congregation. This will give you an opportunity to explore the Christian faith in
more depth. You can either be baptised in the parish church or in Wells Cathedral by the Bishop. This service usually takes place in November each year.
Arranging a Funeral?
You may be planning your own funeral or find yourself arranging a funeral service for someone else. Most people will have already been in touch with a funeral director who will help to arrange all the practical details of the funeral.
Christ Church and St. Mary's are available for funeral services and the Vicar here is also available to take services at the local crematoria and natural burial sites if that is required.
It is important that funeral services reflect the life of the deceased person and music is a good way of doing this. In both churches we have the facility for using recorded music as well as having an excellent organist.
Grief is a long journey and if you would like to talk to someone about the way you are feeling, please get in touch with Revd Liz