Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

 

BAPTISMS

Holy Baptism (or "Christening") is available to all who desire it, either for themselves or for their children.

 

Baptism in the AIC can be at a public service which are arranged throughout the year following the morning service, or at a private service arranged just for you, your family and friends, this service can take place anywhere, in your own home, your garden, a favourite place or in a hired hall. Baptism marks a new beginning. It is the time when we celebrate a person's acceptance of the Christian faith, and their desire to grow in faith throughout their lives. When children or babies are baptised, their parents and godparents agree to be models of the Christian faith in their daily life, and to seek the Church's help in teaching their children about Jesus Christ. Baptism is also a celebration of a new life in our midst as a gift from God, and the whole Church wishes to join with you in this celebration.

 

How to arrange a Baptism

Just contact your nearest AIC Priest (See the Directory section) with plenty of notice for the Baptism date that you would prefer. There will be a short meeting with the Priest prior to the date to obtain all the practical details for the records and to discuss the meaning of Holy Baptism. It would be helpful if both parents and godparents could attend this meeting.

 

WEDDINGS

 

Unlike the situation in the United States of America or in Scotland, here in England and Wales weddings can only take place in places which have been licensed by the authorities for that purpose. (This law will shortly be changed). Such licensed places can be Churches, Hotels, Stately homes, Sports grounds or Registry Offices, indeed anywhere where it is possible for witnesses to be present. As the majority of the AIC parishes do not own buildings of their own, but meet regularly in local Community Halls, Scout Headquarters or in some cases members' own homes, we regret that at the present time our Priests can only offer to provide a service of blessing following a Civil Marriage between a man and a woman.

 

Weddings are a time for good wishes, feasting and joy! They are also a time for serious commitment as a man and woman pledge a lifelong covenant with each other. Our Priests will be happy for you to make your covenant before God following the Civil Marriage, with the consent of the Registrar, or at the reception or at some other time or place convenient to all the parties.

 

How to arrange a Marriage Blessing Service

Contact your nearest AIC Priest (See the Directory section), in plenty of time, giving him the date, place and time for the service and he will be happy to meet with you and help you plan all the details so that you may have a wonderful day, which will long be remembered not only by you, but by all your family and friends as well.

FUNERALS

AIC Priests are available to you when there is a death in your family. Those who mourn need support and consolation, and if a service and prayers in a Church would be helpful, we can provide that for you Whether you choose to have a service at a Cemetery Chapel or at the local Crematorium, our Priests are always available to conduct these services for you.

Why have a Christian Funeral?

Although funerals are for grieving, they are also a time to give thanks for the life of those we have loved and lost through death. The Christian funeral service includes the belief that there is hope in death, as there is in life. The service is a time to express that hope, as well as saying goodbye to those we love. The Priest will visit you to arrange a service that will provide a suitable memorial. A Church service also provides a venue for friends to pay their last respects and support you in your time of grief.

How to arrange a Funeral Service

You may wish to call one of our Priests direct (See the Directory section), or have your Funeral Director make the initial contact for you. Simply tell the Funeral Director what you would like, and they will make all the necessary arrangements. Once a date has been set, our Priest will visit you to discuss the service and any special requirements you may have.