Baptisms

Baptism, sometimes called Christening, is a service of welcome. It is a way for new Christians to formally mark the beginning of the Christian journey. A person can be baptised as an adult or as a child, and you are baptised into membership of the Church, not into a particular branch or denomination.

During the service, we use holy oil to bless, holy water to cleanse, and give a lighted candle as a sign of the light of Christ. Parents and Godparents make promises which affirm their belief in God and their intention to nurture those being baptised in the Christian faith.

Some families like to have a thanksgiving service instead and we are happy to talk about this with them too.

There is no charge for a baptism and our minister is always pleased to discuss these services with families. Contact Revd Cilla Smith.

Weddings

Planning a wedding is an exciting time, and there is a great deal to think about. Whatever stage you are at, we want to help and support you.

When a couple marry they make lifelong vows to each other in the presence of God. In the wedding service we celebrate their love for each other and give thanks to God who is the source of all our loves. The rings that are the symbol of their commitment are blessed, the couple are blessed, and the ceremony ends with the blessing of all those gathered to support them.

It is possible to get married in any of our eight churches if you have some connection with the Parish of Asterby. If you would like to discuss being married in one of the churches just contact our Priest in Charge Revd Cilla Smith.

Wedding Blessings

We are often asked to bless weddings following on from a civil service and we also are happy to assist couples in renewing their vows. Just contact our Priest in Charge Revd Cilla Smith to find out more about this.

Funerals

Funerals can be conducted either in church or at the crematorium. When somebody dies, it is usual for the family to contact a funeral director who will then be in touch with us directly to arrange for someone to conduct the funeral.

The person taking the funeral will arrange to meet with you to discuss the service and learn more about the person who has died.

At the funeral service, we give thanks to God for the life of the person who has died, we pray for those who are grieving, we commend the departed person to God’s eternal care, and we give thanks for God’s gift of eternal life.

A prayer for the bereaved…

O God, who brought us to birth,
and in whose arms we die,
in our grief and shock
contain and comfort us;
embrace us with your love,
give us hope in our confusion
and grace to let go into new life;
through Jesus Christ.  Amen

(CW:Pastoral Services  The Archbishops Council 2000)