Weddings, Baptisms & Funerals
Church WeddingsThe Church of England has a brilliant central resource for couples planning a church wedding that includes the legal aspects of marriage, ceremony planning, and frequently asked questions. Visit www.yourchurchwedding.org for further information. When someone chooses to get married in your church, it is a great opportunity to help them celebrate but also to make connections that could last beyond the service. What can our church do to help?A person’s wedding day is often one of the most memorable days in their life and over half of couples still choose to get married in a church so why not:
Baptisms & ChristeningsThe christening of a child or an adult choosing to be baptised are significant moments and are a great opportunity for your church to celebrate and support people who are new to faith (or making a recommitment of some sort). What can our church do to help?If you are passionate about baptism and all the opportunities it brings for engaging with families why not:
FuneralsA Church of England Funeral is a privilege to take; and for many still in a secular society, the opportunity for loved ones to express their gratitude for a life now ended but of infinite worth to God. The Bishops Advisers meet with funeral directors, clergy helping families at a difficult time, and cemetery / crematoria staff in local authorities to try to improve communication and work collaboratively together to provide a sensitive and responsive ministry. Ultimately, what we offer is not simply beautiful language, nor our heritage of timeless buildings, but the Easter hope of life made new in Jesus at a time when human beings face bereavement and loss. What can our church do to help?Thousands of families are still choosing to go to their local church for their loved one’s funeral so how can we help them at such an important time? Research carried out by the Church of England shows that what most families value most is the personal touch that a Vicar or Pastoral Care Team in a church can offer. They want the service to reflect the wishes of the deceased and churches that are able to be flexible and pastoral are a huge comfort to the bereaved.
Key Support SitesThere are two sites to help you and your church make the most of this occasion. https://churchofenglandfunerals.org - this is a site you can share with anyone who needs to know about funerals https://churchsupporthub.org/funerals/ - this is a resource site specifically for clergy
The Church Support HubThese web pages are a key resource for you and your church make the most of this occasion. Click here to visit the Church Support Hub. |