Ceremonies

Baptisms

Sue and Philip are most happy to talk to you about having your baby/child christened in any of our three churches. Most of our Christening services are held on a Sunday afternoon but we are occasionally asked to Christen a child in the main Sunday Holy Communion service and that is fine too. We prefer to only christen one child at a time (unless you have asked for siblings to be christened together!) so you and your family will not be part of a larger unfamiliar gathering. You may want to find out more about the christening service before you speak to us. If you have any questions about the Baptism/Christening of your baby/child please follow the link below: https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings Please also note that during this Covid pandemic, there are restrictions to numbers and the service will look slightly different from usual so please do contact us so we can help you make your decisions in these difficult times.

Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child

There are also special services for families wishing to mark and celebrate the birth or adoption of a child but are not looking for baptism at this time. We are also happy to offer a service of thanksgiving-do speak to either Sue or Philip if this is something that you are looking for.

Adults

It may be that you were not Christened as a baby or young child-but it’s never too late! We also offer adult baptism and many parents think about this before having their own baby or child Christened. Again, the Church of England has all the information you need on their website (see below) but either  Sue or Philip will be happy to explore this with you. www.churchofengland.org/life-events/adult-baptism

Funerals

It is a very difficult and sad time when someone we love or have known for many years dies.

Every life is precious to God and Christians have always believed that there is life beyond death.

A funeral service is an important time. It helps us to acknowledge our loss and our sorrow, and to say farewell to the person who has died.

During a funeral service we have time to remember but also to remind ourselves of the promise of resurrection so a Christian funeral brings a message of hope.  We often hear people say that they didn’t chose to have a Vicar to take their loved ones funeral, because they didn’t go to church or they weren’t ‘religious’. We then hear beautiful stories of that person’s love of life, family and how there was generosity, laughter and joy.   You do not have to be a ‘church goer’  or to be ‘religious’ for us to take the funeral of your loved one.  Where there is love, that’s where God is!

If you have recently lost someone close or would like to talk about a funeral service please contact:

Rev. Sue Howlett or Rev. Philip Howlett (01206 510732)

 

Many people, at a later date, like to think about a headstone in the churchyard or at the crematorium cemetery.  There is a guide book which explains the regulations with Church of England churchyards in the Chelmsford Diocese.  Before making a choice and a final decision you are recommended to speak to us about the churchyard rules which apply at St Andrews, or you should speak to those in charge of the crematorium cemetry about the rules which apply there.  

Weddings

It may be that you don’t think you are allowed to get married in church, but the Church of England has made new ways to make a church wedding very possible indeed.

It’s important to say however, that getting married will give you a new legal status which will come with many benefits, but Sue and Philip will make sure your preparations for marriage conform to Church and UK civil law.

So, if you are thinking of getting married at St. Andrew’s, St Matthew’s or St Anne’s or have any questions about Church weddings, please do contact either Sue and Philip (see the ‘Contact Us’ page) and we will be happy to talk with you.

Please be aware that due to the Covid restrictions, currently wedding ceremonies are restricted to a maximum of 15 people (that includes the Bride and Groom, and the vicar!).  It is anticipated that from the 17th May, the limit will increase to 30 people, though please be aware that we may not be able to accommodate this number while maintaining social distancing, owing to the size of our buildings.

We are looking forward to the time when we can hold wedding services and blessings in church again without any restrictions.

For more information:

The link below provides lots of useful information for anyone planning a wedding, from all the legal proceedings as well as hymn and music options:

http://www.yourchurchwedding.org

We look forward to meeting you and helping you plan for your wedding day!

If you are already married and would a marriage blessing for an anniversary or just because you want to give thanks for your married life, then do contact us.