Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
These special services provide opportunities to gather with family, friends and the church community, to mark key stages along life’s journey and acknowledge God’s presence with us throughout life.
Symbols, prayers, actions and music all come together to express how God loves and blesses each person, and also express our response and gratitude. These services also invite us to develop a deeper relationship with God, linking life’s journey with the journey of Christian faith.
Christenings, weddings and funerals are available regardless of how familiar you may or may not be with church. They do need a time of explanation and preparation in order for you to get the most out of them.
If you are considering any of these services please speak to one of our Churchwardens.
Baptisms
A christening – or holy baptism – is the moment when an individual “joins” the Church and becomes a member of the Christian community throughout the world.
At the Stiperstones Group of Churches we take seriously our responsibilities to welcome all who wish to take this important step and we are keen to respond positively to all enquiries. Baptisms are usually conducted on a Sunday as part of the following services:
Holy Trinity, Minsterley – 10.30am All Age Communion on second Sunday of month,
Holy Trinity, Hope – 10.30am All Age Communion on second Sunday of month,
All Saints Shelve – 10.30am All Age Communion on third Sunday of month,
St Mary’s, Habberley – 5.00pm Holy Communion on third Sunday of month, or at a separate service during the afternoon
or in the case of St Luke’s, Snailbeach at a separate service during the afternoon.
The baptism service is rich in symbolism and allows parents and god-parents, family and friends to celebrate the birth of a child and begin his or her journey through faith to a deeper relationship with God.
Of course, adults are often baptised too. It is never too late and we will be happy to discuss your situation with you. We have had people in their eighties who have decided they wish to be baptised!
Confirmation
Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized at a christening when you were a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult, you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
The local bishop will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life.
Marriages
During the long and interesting histories of the Stiperstones Group of Churches a large number of people have come through the doors of Holy Trinity, Minsterley, St Luke’s, Snailbeach, St Mary’s, Habberley, All Saints, Shelve and Holy Trinity, Hope to be joined together in marriage.
A marriage is between two individuals who are in love and want to make commitments to each other for the rest of their lives. But it is also a community matter and the Church is where marriages are celebrated amongst families and friends as a couple make their vows to one another in the sight of God.
Weddings are an important part of our ministry in the Stiperstones Group and clergy are always happy to discuss personal circumstances and wishes with couples who are planning a marriage.
Thanksgiving for Marriage
Married couples often wish to celebrate a marriage ‘milestone,’ such as a silver of golden wedding anniversary, with a service in Church. Part of the service involves the renewal of wedding vows.
Funerals
Anyone can have a Church of England funeral, whether a churchgoer or not. A Church of England funeral can take place in any of these locations:
Parish Church
Crematorium
Cemetery
Woodland or Green burial site
A Church funeral provides a safe space to express grief but also to celebrate and give thanks to God for the unique life of the person you loved.
A member of the clergy team will visit you to hear about the person you knew and loved, and will go through the details of the funeral service itself, including music, hymns, readings, Bible reading and the eulogy or tribute. Afterwards, a member of our Pastoral Visitors team will keep in touch with you.