Services
Worship, Prayer, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals

When do Baptisms take place?

Since baptism includes joining the church, we baptise both children and adults in our main 10:00am Sunday Service held on the second Sunday of the month.

What happens at the baptism service?

Baptism is the first step in our journey of faith. So in baptism the child’s parents and godparents or the adult being baptised declare their decision to turn away from wrong doing and turn to Christ. Then with the whole congregation they affirm their faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the vicar baptises them by pouring water on their head.

At the end of the service the child or adult is given a lighted candle to remind them to shine like a light in the world and we suggest that you light the candle on the anniversary of the baptism to remind you of the promises you have made.

Is there any preparation needed?

Yes. If you would like your child baptised then the vicar will come to see you in your home. You will watch a 10 minute DVD together and talk our way through the service order.

If you are an adult wanting to be baptised then we ask you to do an Alpha Course with us to learn more about the Christian faith.

Who can get married at St Barnabas?

You can marry in St Barnabas Church if you can answer Yes to one of the following statements:

• I was baptised in the parish
• I prepared for confirmation in the parish
• My parent or Grandparent was married in the parish
• I have had my usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months
• My parent has had their usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months during my lifetime
• I have habitually attended public worship at the parish church for at least 6 months
• My parent has habitually attended public worship at the parish church for at least 6 months during my lifetime

Banns

Banns are an announcement and a legal requirement of your intention to marry and have to be read out on 3 Sundays prior to the wedding in the parishes where each of you lives.

The Banns are read at the 10:00am service in St Barnabas and in St Mary's Church.

If you live in St Barnabas parish and are getting married elsewhere and need your Banns read, please contact:

• St Barnabas Church
• 01252 873839

Marriage Preparation

We invite all couples who are being married during the year, to attend a marriage preparation session. This is an opportunity to discuss the Christian aspects of marriage and look at the Marriage Service. We strongly recommend you make every effort to attend as those who have done so in the past have found it very beneficial.

Music

Most couples choose two or three hymns, as well as organ music to be played as the bride enters and as the couple leave the church.

Flowers

We recommend you organise your own florist to arrange the floral decorations. We do ask and would be grateful if you would leave a pedestal arrangement for our Sunday Services.

Photographs/Video

We are happy for photographs to be taken once the service is over, at the signing of the Register and subsequently.

If you are planning to video the service, you will need to sign our Permission to Video form, which will cover the need for you to obtain a copyright licence.

Who can have a funeral at St Barnabas?

Everyone is entitled to a funeral service in their local parish church by their local vicar regardless of whether they attended church or not.