Baptisms, Marriages & Funerals

Baptism and Thanksgiving for a Child

Baptism marks the public beginning of a journey with Jesus that continues for the rest of our lives.

2000 years ago Jesus instructed his disciples to baptise new members of his community; baptism has been the public mark of church membership ever since. In the Church of England we welcome people of all ages to baptism.

In the baptism service, candidates (or their parents) promise to turn away from sin, the World and the Devil and turn to Jesus Christ – choosing to follow Him and submit to Him as the Lord and Saviour of their lives.

Baptism is a hugely joyful occasion, but the promises being made are also serious and deeply significant and should not be made lightly. In line with Church teaching, we invite potential baptism candidates and families to follow a process of preparation and instruction in the Christian faith, and we encourage them to commit to the shared life of the church.

For more information, come to one of our Sunday services and speak directly to a member of the team.

Learn More

When – Baptisms are part of our main Sunday service at 10.30am, St Mary’s
How long – A service with Baptism is about 80-90 minutes; there is a Sunday Club for children.
Alternative – As an alternative, you may wish to look at a ‘thanksgiving for the gift of a child’. Thanksgiving services are available to anyone living within the parish regardless of faith or church attendance – although we would encourage you to come and visit us first before making a decision.
Next steps -Come to one of our services and speak with the service leader. Contact us to find out about the next Baptism Preparation Evening.
Helpful website – Church of England Christenings https://churchofenglandchristenings.org/

Weddings and Blessings

A wedding is one of life’s great moments. Marriage is God’s idea and he wants to be at the heart of your relationship, blessing you on your wedding day and throughout your entire married life. Christian marriage is based on the solemn, public and life-long vows between bride and groom, made in the presence of God and before witnesses.

St Mary’s is a beautiful church with a long history of Christian worship and a great venue for weddings. Why not come along to one of our Sunday services at 10.30am? You can have a first chat with one of the church leaders afterwards and find out about the next steps. You can also contact us to find out more.

If you live or have lived in the parish or have another qualifying connection such as having been baptised or confirmed in our church, then you can get married at St Mary’s. If you do not have a qualifying connection you could create one by becoming a regular worshipper at our church for at least six months before your wedding day.

The Church of England also offers a Thanksgiving for Marriage service where couples who have had a civil marriage can receive a blessing in church, or where couples can renew their marriage vows. You can find more information HERE.

Our Rector affirms the traditional view of marriage being between one man and one woman and has opted not to offer the ‘Prayers of Love & Faith’ for same-sex couples. Other parishes within the Amersham Deanery will be offering these prayers and we would be happy to signpost enquirers accordingly.

St Mary’s adheres to the Church of England’s guidance on the marrying of divorcees. Couples where one or both parties have been previously married are invited to read this leaflet before speaking to a member of the clergy.

When – Most weddings take place on Saturdays. Please note that we do not book weddings more than 18 months in advance.

Can I get married at St Mary’s? You need a ‘qualifying connection’ to get married in our church. To find out more, follow the link above.

Alternative – If you have already been married in a civil ceremony, you may want to explore a special service of blessing.

Next steps – come along to one of our services. Contact us to find out more.

Helpful website – www.yourchurchwedding.org – answers to questions you may have and a wedding service planner

Funerals

“Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.” Psalm 130.1-2

When someone you love has died, it is a time of sadness and pain. We are here to help you through your bereavement. Please contact our church office (01895 832771) to speak confidentially with our administrator. We can also arrange for a pastoral visit from a church member to talk and pray with you.

When – Funerals will be arranged by the funeral director of your choice who will contact our church office.

Who can be buried in St Mary’s Churchyard? Those who live in the parish, have died in the parish or are on our church membership list (‘electoral roll’).

Where can I find details about churchyard regulations? The Church of England sets clear rules for churchyards, including the shape, size colour of memorials. Our church office has a helpful leaflet.

You can also download it by clicking here…

Helpful website – www.churchofenglandfunerals.org