Greenstead With St. Anne

Remembering the Duke of Edinburgh

Following the sad announcement of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, many will wish to remember him in prayer and to pray too for The Queen, the Royal Family and all who mourn.  With all the Churches in the land, we in Greenstead and St Anne’s share in giving thanks for the late Duke’s life and for his service to the nation and the Commonwealth.
The Church of England has published an online book of condolence which can be signed here.

Ceremonies

BaptismsFuneralsWeddings

Baptisms

Anyone can get in touch with a church to find about having their child christened. During a christening your child will be baptized with water. It’s the start of an amazing journey of faith for your child and a special day for all your friends and family.Church of England
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)

We are sorry that we are unable to use our church buildings for funerals during this third lockdown but Sue and Philip are still available to take the service for you at the Crematorium or in the churchyard of St Andrew’s Church.  

Weddings

Marrying in church is personal, meaningful and spiritual just as you want it to be. Churches are special and unique places to get married in – the prayers, promises and the whole service of celebration become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyondChurch of England

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 ‘contacts’) and we will be happy to talk with you.

Please be aware that due to the Covid Pandemic, wedding ceremonies have been suspended in all but exceptional circumstances. We are looking forward to the time when we can hold wedding services and blessings in church again.

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.