Service of the Word, Wednesday, 25th August 2021- St Augustine of Hippo
Special Services
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These pages give you all the information you need to know about arranging a baptism, confirmation, wedding or funeral at
St Stephen's. If you would like to speak to someone about arranging a special service, contact us here.
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament by which a child or adult is accepted into the Christian faith. When a child is baptised, the parents and godparents make vows, on behalf of the child, that they will renounce evil and accept Christ; and for themselves that they will bring up the child in the Christian faith.
Baptism is not only for infants, however. Adults who were not baptised as infants, or who wish to convert from a different faith, may be baptised and make those vows for themselves.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a service in which a person confirms the promises that were made (usually by parents and godparents) when they were baptized. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. The bishop will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life.
Before you are confirmed, our priest will want you to attend special classes where you will learn more about the Christian faith and when it means to be confirmed.
Weddings
St Stephen's is a beautiful church in which to hold your wedding ceremony. A church wedding is not just about a pretty, traditional venue. Getting married in church brings a very special, spiritual dimension to your wedding which other venues cannot. As you prepare for your marriage, your relationship with our church and with our Vicar makes it all much more personal and meaningful.
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To find out if you are eligible to get married at St Stephen's, Click here
There are lots of things to think about when you are organising a wedding service. The website yourchurchwedding.org has pages of information about the different things you need to consider when arranging your church wedding, including some suggestions for bible readings and popular hymns. It is useful to have some ideas about what you like before you meet with the Vicar to discuss details.
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Blessings
For those of you who may not wish to be married in church, or who may not be eligible to be married at St Stephen's, you might like to consider having a blessing.
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Because the blessing is not a statutory service, it means that you can customise the service much more, eg choosing your own words etc. A Blessing is a beautiful service which can vary from something very short and simple to a more elaborate service similar to a wedding. Our Priest will be happy to discuss the different options with you.
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A blessing can take place at any time, not just after a wedding. Perhaps you might like to ask for God's blessing on your marriage for a special wedding anniversary. To get in touch with us to find out more, click here
Funerals
Parishioners, those named on the electoral roll, and those dying within the parish all have a legal right of burial in the parochial burial ground. Our churchyard offers a peaceful final resting place for loved ones.
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For a burial, you may choose a service in church or at the graveside.
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For cremations you may wish to have a service in church, followed by a short committal at the crematorium, or you may prefer to have the whole service at the crematorium. If eligible, ashes may be interred in the churchyard at a later date.
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Our Priest will liaise closely with your family and your chosen funeral director regarding the arrangements you wish to make.
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There are Diocesan regulations that apply to the type of headstone or marker that can be installed in the churchyard. For further details please click here
Statutory Fees
Details of fees payable for special services can be found here
