FAQ:
LIFE EVENTS
Baptism/Christening/Thanksgiving
We offer two services to welcome and pray for your child:
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Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child
A simple, joyful way to thank God for your child and pray for them and your family. You don’t need to make any Christian promises. Friends or family can stand with you as sponsors (like godparents, but without commitments). You’ll also receive a children’s Bible as a gift. -
Baptism (Christening) Baptism is a deeper step, marking your child as part of the church family. Parents and godparents make promises about their own Christian faith, regular church involvement, and bringing up your child to know Jesus.
The service should reflect your own faith and commitment. If you’re not ready to make the promises required for baptism, Thanksgiving is a beautiful way to celebrate your child without pressure. Some children are baptised later, when they choose it for themselves — which can be very meaningful.
Our Rector will meet with you to talk through the options and help you decide what feels right for your family.
Weddings
Can we get married at St Peter’s?
Yes, if at least one of you lives in the parish or is on our church electoral roll.
You can also marry here if one of the following applies:
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You were baptised or confirmed here
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You’ve lived here for 6+ months (at any time)
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You’ve attended worship here regularly for 6+ months
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One of your parents has lived or worshipped here for 6+ months (during your lifetime)
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Your parents or grandparents were married here
What is a Christian marriage?
Marriage is a gift from God — a lifelong, faithful partnership of love and support, and the best context for raising children. In church, you make your vows before God and witnesses, and we promise to pray for you and support you.
Most weddings happen on Saturdays (up to 3 per day). Other days may be possible, depending on availability. We don’t offer Sunday weddings.
Funerals
A typical service:
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Your loved one will be brought into the church, followed by those who were close to them.
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There will be a welcome by the Rector
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Usually, there is a tribute, accompanied by meaningful poems, readings, and hymns.
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Entrance and exit music is also chosen. This can be played by the musicians present or from a speaker. (You may need a license for this.)
Alongside the Funeral Directors, we can help and support you in your decision-making at this challenging time.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a special service where you confirm the promises made for you at your baptism and publicly affirm your faith in Jesus. It’s not something the Bible specifically requires, but it’s a meaningful way to take ownership of your faith and step forward as a full member of the church family.
In the Church of England, we baptise babies as a sign they belong to God’s family, with parents and godparents making promises on their behalf. When children are old enough to understand and choose this commitment for themselves, they can be confirmed, a kind of spiritual “coming of age” where they take responsibility for their own journey of faith.