Life is full of milestones that mark the journey and shape our understanding of who we are.
Sometimes these milestones are wonderfully welcome: graduation, engagement and marriage, a new job, the birth of a child, a new home and, eventually, retirement. Our spiritual lives are no different. For centuries, Christians have been marking particular points in our journey with God through special acts of worship and commitment.
These include Baptism, Confirmation, marriage and, sadly but filled with God’s hope, funerals. If you are interested in learning more about how to mark these life events at All Saints’, please be in touch with our office. You will be supplied with the information you need and, should you choose it, connected to our clergy for further conversation. We treasure the gift of sharing the journey with you and marking these meaningful milestones of life.
Baptism:
From the first days of Christianity, Baptism has marked an important point of decision – the decision to follow Jesus and live life as a Christian. While the norm in Anglican churches is infant Baptism, we also baptize adults who have come to a point of decision. Baptism candidates or their parents and godparents participate in a four-week course in which we explore the meaning of Baptism in our lives. We have several set dates each year on which Baptism is celebrated.
Confirmation:
Many who were baptized as babies feel moved to declare for themselves their decision to follow Jesus. This is where Confirmation comes in. After due preparation, those wishing to confirm their faith and decision to live as Christians are presented to the Bishop for a special service of declaration and blessing.
Weddings:
It is our policy at All Saints’ to marry only those who are members of the Church. This is because we take weddings and the preparation for them very seriously; after all, this is one of the biggest decisions a person will ever make. To talk more about marriage and what it means to be a member of the Church, please contact the office and arrange a conversation. All Saints’ is an affirming congregation and extends the marriage liturgy to same-sex and opposite-sex couples alike.
Funerals:
The moment comes for all of us when we have to face the death of someone we care about and, eventually, even ourselves. At All Saints’, we deal with this time in people’s lives with great care and sensitivity, and within the greater context of the hope of the eternal life that God promises through Jesus Christ. If you or someone you know is in need of care at this time, please contact us and we will walk you through this most difficult of milestones.
Pastoral Care:
Should you feel the need for the comfort of our clergy as you face a difficult time in life, please call or email us. We’d be glad to help.
