For all enquires related to Baptisms (Christenings), Weddings and Funerals contact the Parish Office or talk to the vicar after a service.
Christenings
The birth of a baby is a wonderful, life-changing and life-enhancing moment, which we rightly want to celebrate with our family and friends. Everyone is welcome to have their child christened in their parish church. Even if you no longer live in the parish but have a previous connection with us – maybe you were christened here yourself – you are welcome to return to St John’s for your own baby to be christened. During the christening service your child will be baptised and, with the support of the church community, you and godparents, he or she begins an amazing journey of faith.
Adult baptism and confirmation
Sometimes, deciding to have your own child baptised, or perhaps being asked to be a godparent to someone else’s child, can make you think about your own journey of faith. If you were not baptised as a young child, you may decide that you want to make this commitment now as an adult or teenager.
Whatever leads you to this point, we would be happy to support you to be baptised and confirmed. We meet informally in the vicarage for a number of weeks prior to a confirmation service using an innovative and inspiring programme Pilgrim. Through it we approach the great issues of faith in a pattern of prayer and friendly conversation in the company of other disciples.
Weddings
Despite the rise in the number of civil settings for weddings, more than a quarter of all marriages in England take place in the traditional setting of a Church of England church. If you live in the parish – or have a connection with us – you're welcome to marry in St John’s whatever your beliefs, whether or not you are baptised and whether or not you go to church. Please contact the Parish Office to arrange a discussion with the vicar. You may also find the Church of England's Your Church Wedding website useful.
Funerals
A funeral offers an important opportunity to mark a death, to express our grief, to give thanks for the life of the person who has died and to commend the person into God’s keeping. Funeral services can be tailored to reflect the life of the deceased and their wishes.
Everyone in the parish – or who had a connection with St John’s – is entitled to hold their funeral here, regardless of whether or not they attended church. Please tell the funeral director who is arranging the funeral if you would like the service to be held at St John’s or would like one of our clergy to conduct a service at the crematorium and they will contact us. We work closely with families and funeral directors to advise on all aspects of the service.