Life Events
For Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals and other information please get in touch with the Rector.
We hope you enjoy visiting this site where we give as much useful information as possible. However, the best way, to experience any church is to come along in person, and you will be very welcome when you do.
Baptisms
We are always delighted to welcome candidates in baptism
Those resident in the Christ Church part of the parish, or regular worshippers, may apply for baptism at Christ Church. You can make a preliminary enquiry by contacting Revd Jonathan Haynes by clicking the button below.
Scheduling the ceremony
Baptisms usually take place in our main Sunday service at 10am. Christ Church is a popular place for Baptisms, although we aim to accommodate baptism families and candidates as quickly as we can. Getting to know the church by coming as you are able is a great way to prepare for baptism.
Baptism preparation
Preparation for baptism involves attending a session to explore the meaning of baptism and the vows you will make on your child’s behalf (or for yourself as an older candidate). We also ask that, if you do not already worship regularly with us, you attend church services prior to the baptism, so that you will have some idea what to expect, and get to know us a little!
Making an application
Please come along to a service, stay for some refreshment, and speak to the vicar.
Fees
There is no charge for a Baptism.
Confirmation & Holy Communium
Confirmation
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
The local 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.
oung people and Adults wishing to be confirmed please speak to the vicar.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
The local 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.
oung people and Adults wishing to be confirmed please speak to the vicar.
Admission of Children to Holy Communion
Some children (typically aged 6+) may wish to be Admitted to Holy Communion. This involves preparation classes and a in a service led by the parish priest. After this eucharist service of prayers and promises children receive the bread and wine. Please speak to the vicar for more information.
Weddings
Service & Preparation
Congratulations on becoming engaged to be married! Christ Church is a popular venue for weddings, and we look forward to welcoming couples for a special day. If you have lived in the parish, or if you are on the electoral roll of the church, or have a qualifying connection with the parish you may have a right to be married here.
Couples are invited to come to church services and speak to the vicar about celebrating their marriage at Christ Church.
Please be advised to do this before planning too much of your wedding day to check if your preferred date is available before you firm up any dates and make bookings for a reception.
Funerals & memorials
Supporting you at this difficult time
Death is one of the hardest things we have to face as human beings. At Christ Church we aim to do all we can to support people through this difficult time. Our clergy are available to talk and pray with you and the church is open during the day if you would like to spend time alone in quiet.
Scheduling the ceremony
If you want to arrange a funeral at Christ Church or to ask for a particular member of the clergy to conduct a funeral at the crematorium, then it is usual to appoint a funeral director and ask them to liaise with us on dates and times.
Talking things through
Once the funeral has been arranged, one of the clergy will visit you at a time which suits you, to plan the funeral and to talk with you about the person who has died.
Annual memorial service
Each year in early November we hold a Memorial Service at Christ Church when we remember by name those who have died in the past year. Please contact one of the clergy if you would like more information about this service.
Funeral planning days
We have occasional Funeral Planning Days, when different professionals help people to understand the options around funerals and burials.