Arrange a Wedding or a Baptism
Arranging a Wedding at St Luke's.
The prayer book marriage service teaches us that marriage must not be undertaken carelessly, lightly or selfishly, but reverently, responsibly and after serious thought. In Christian Marriage, the couple exchange their vows before God who is anxious to see them live them out. For these reasons at St Luke's we seek to encourage the couple to reflect on the practical issues of married life and share with them the resources God makes available.
Step 1 Contact the Vicar/Minister John Stride. After a few simple questions to check whether you are legally eligible to be married at St Luke’s, he will arrange for you to visit him at St Luke’s House 18 Blackbrook Road to sort out the legal preliminaries and go through the marriage service.
Step 2 You will receive a letter confirming all the arrangements and costs and setting out the requirements for calling the Banns.
Step 3 You will be invited to attend a further session at St Luke’s House when John and Jacky Stride will share with you some suggestions to help you prepare for your married life together.
Step 4 On the evening before the Wedding Day there will be a rehearsal in the Church so that you will be familiar with all that is going to happen on the day!
Arranging a Baptism at St Luke's.
Baptism, either as a child or an adult, is all about belonging. Belonging to Jesus and being part of his family, the Church. We proclaim our decision to make Jesus the master of our lives, to turn away from our old ways of behaving and living and to take on his ways as his adopted child. This is a serious step and at St Luke's we seek to make sure that the candidates or in the case of children, the parents understand the importance of the step they are taking.
Step 1 Contact the Vicar/Minister John Stride. He will arrange to visit your home to outline the preparation process and explain and discuss the meaning of baptism.
Step 2 For a child we are happy to include an Act of Dedication or a short Thanksgiving for the birth of your child during the course of a morning service and you will be invited to start coming to Sunday Worship.
Step 3 The Vicar/Minister will arrange two further sessions with you about one month apart to explain more fully the promises that form part of the baptism service and the consequences of becoming a member of the Christian Family.
Step 4 Once you understand the meaning of baptism, you choose whether you are ready to proceed or whether to wait a while. Whatever you choose you will be welcome to attend Church services and participate in the life of the Church community.
Step 5 If you decide to go ahead, then an application form must be completed and a date for the service determined. For adults, baptism by full immersion can be arranged. On the day of the service you will receive a certificate and, in the case of children, the God-parents will also receive cards.
