Baptisms at All Saints’

In baptism, which is sometimes known as christening, we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledge his love. As is the general practice of the Church of England, All Saints’ welcomes babies and young children to baptism, as well as older people.

In baptism certain promises are made. For children too young to make these themselves, parents and godparents are asked to make them on behalf of themselves and the child. They promise to do all they can to help the child as he or she grows in the faith of Christ. People belonging to other faiths may take part as friends and supporters of the child.

Anyone who lives in the Parish of Banstead may be baptised here, and so may people from elsewhere in some circumstances. Speak to our Baptism Steward, Mrs Rosemary Whipp, who will help you prepare for this step (tel. 01737 359764).

If you would prefer, we also offer a Service of Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child.

There is no charge for either service.

Confirmations at All Saints’

Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey where those who have been baptised as children make a firm commitment to Christian discipleship. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church also asks for the help of the Holy Spirit for the confirmed person as he or she grows in faith and discipleship.

All Saints’ regularly runs courses leading towards confirmation to help people understand and deepen the faith to which they are committing themselves. We also welcome to these sessions people whose confirmation was many years ago and who now wish to refresh their faith and renew their promises. 

There is no charge for this service.

Weddings at All Saints’

Congratulations! You're welcome to marry in All Saints’, whether or not you are christened and whether or not you regularly go to church. But it is necessary that at least one of you lives in the Parish of Banstead, or is associated with Banstead in certain ways (please see below).

If one or both of you has been divorced (and your ex-spouse is still alive) it may still be possible to marry in church.  We also offer the Service of Blessing after a Civil Marriage, and Renewal of Vows Services.

All Saints’ offers a short course of Marriage Preparation, run by the Mothers’ Union, which many couples find helpful and which we strongly recommend.

You may also be married at All Saints’ Church if any one of the following applies:

· You have had your usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months.

· At least one of your parents has had his or her usual place of residence in the parish for at least 6 months during your lifetime.

· You were Baptised at All Saints’ Church.

· You were Confirmed at All Saints’ Church.

· Your parent or grandparent was married in the parish by a Church of England service.

· You have habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in the parish for at least 6 months.

· Your parent has habitually attended public worship at Church of England services in the parish for at least 6 months during your lifetime.

A fee is charged for a marriage service (see foot of page), and there are additional fees for music, bells, flowers, etc. if you would like these. 

Funerals at All Saints’

Many people go through a difficult and painful time when someone close to them dies. The ministry team at All Saints’ will do all they can to help and support you. 

If the person who has died had been living in the Parish of Banstead, one of our ministry team will be glad to take the funeral service, whether you wish this to be in the church or at a crematorium. They will also help you to plan the service within Church guidelines in the way most appropriate to your needs and the wishes of the person who has died.

We do ask that you get in touch with the clergy as early as possible to ensure a suitable date is chosen (tel. 01737 379289 or email [email protected]).

All Saints’ churchyard is now formally closed so that coffin burial is no longer possible except in the existing grave of a family member. But it is possible either to bury ashes in a plot where a small memorial plaque may be placed, or to put them in the Garden of Remembrance.

Grieving and coping with loss may take a long time and is never easy. The ministry team will continue to do what they can to support you; and some people find it helpful to come to our ‘Bereavement Befrienders’ group for a chat over coffee once a month.

The Church of England has statutory fees for funeral services and for interment of ashes (see foot of page).