Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals
The family of St Stephen’s welcome the Baptism of infants, and we encourage older children and adults to make a personal commitment to Jesus through a public declaration of their faith in Baptism.
No fee is charged for these services because we know God has freely accepted us as his children and we want to make sure no one thinks they can somehow buy a place in God’s family by becoming a member of the church
Baptism
Baptism is a simple ceremony of washing in water, practiced by Christians since the time of Jesus. It is a sign of turning to God, and a faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. At the same time, baptism symbolises Jesus’ own death and resurrection. Those who ask for baptism recognise that their standing with God depends on what Jesus did for them by his dying and rising again. All who are baptised are received into the family of the Christian church.
In infant baptism, the response of faith must be made in the name of the child by the sponsors (parents and godparents) until such time as the child can make his or her own response. Godparents are Christians who are interested in the child’s spiritual nurture. They may be either the parents, or others chosen by the parents. The duty of Godparents (and parents) is to provide encouragement, teaching and setting a good example so that Children may be brought up to follow Christ and become faithful members of the church. Godparents should be chosen to answer these two questions:
- Are you, yourself a believer in Jesus Christ, and a member of his Church, sincerely believing in the promises of God.
- Are you willing to sponsor this child, answering for them now, and accepting responsibility for their Christian upbringing.
A number of promises are made by parents and godparents during the Baptism service. A renunciation of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’ - that is a rejection of all that is opposed to the will of God.
- A belief in God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit - meaning a trust in God as the one who made us, Jesus as the one who saves us and in the Holy Spirit who makes us like Jesus.
- A firm intention to obey God and follow his leading in our lives. Baptisms take place in our church building during normal services. This means the people of the church can welcome the baptised child into the Christian family.
Baptism can be the most meaningful occasions for establishing yourselves, your home and family in a right relationship with God. You may have been out of touch with the church. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions that you have with one of our ministers.
Weddings
A wedding in the informal and friendly environment of St Stephen’s provides an opportunity for you to celebrate your marriage and future life together in the presence of God.
In the Christian Church, marriage is regarded as one of the important sacraments. It is a celebration of the relationship in which a man and a woman come together with a commitment to each other for the future.
A Christian church wedding provides the opportunity to give praise to God as you exchange your vows, and gain His blessing on your life together.
Our ministry team will help you to prepare for your big day through a structured marriage preparation program and support you in making your wedding a wonderful day.
Funerals
Whilst the death of a loved one is a very sad occasion, a caring pastoral approach will help you in dealing with the steps necessary after a death and in supporting you in your grief.
A funeral service at St Stephen’s can be a celebration of a past life as well as a committal of the deceased person to God’s care. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we can be assured of salvation and the knowledge of eternal life. If you need help in organising a funeral or support in your grief, you’ll find a sensitive and caring response from any of our ministry team.