Baptisms, weddings and funerals

For hundreds of years the church has been a place to turn for help at the most important moments of life - when a baby is born, a couple get married or someone dies. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you want to talk about a baptism, wedding or funeral.

Weddings    

It is a privilege to be able to help couples to prepare for their big day, and to host their wedding in church. We work closely with all our wedding couples to make the wedding as personal and happy a day as possible, and to make sure that they are set up for a great married life. We run a regular Marriage preparation course for couples, and you can book on to the next one here. To find out more and to let us know you’d like to get married in one of our churches, please email becky.addis@gkchurch.org

Before the wedding, the couple meet with the Vicar to plan the service and to get ready for married life together. There are usually 2 or 3 meetings, as well as a rehearsal in the week leading up to the service.

To get married in St Mary's or Christ Church you or your family need to have a ‘Qualifying Connection’ with the area or the church - you can find out what counts as a connection here.  

As well as being very beautiful buildings in wonderful locations, our churches both offer an organist, the church choir and bells. We know also how expensive weddings are, and are happy to work with you to keep costs to a minimum. 

Baptisms

Jesus was very clear that children are meant to be at the heart of his family, and we love to welcome children into God's family by baptising (christening) them. Most baptisms take place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. If you're interested in a baptism - either for yourself or your child - we recommend that you come along one Sunday and then contact the Church Office on 01580 211739 or becky.addis@gkchurch.org. The first step will be to arrange a meeting with the Vicar, Rev Hugh Nelson.

We also offer a thanksgiving service - a way to thank God for the gift of a child and to pray for the baby and their parents, without having to make the serious promises to God that are required at a baptism.

And baptism isn't just for children - if you haven't been baptised as a child, and are exploring your faith as an adult, we would be very happy to talk about what it means to be a Christian.

And if you want the chance to find out what you believe, and what Christianity is all about, you would also be very welcome to join us on an Alpha course.

Funerals

And of course, we are here for you if someone has died and you would like us to take their funeral, or to bury their ashes or just for support at a time of bereavement.

If there is anything we can do to help you at a difficult time, please get in touch with the Vicar on 01580 211739 or hugh.nelson@gkchurch.org