We are keen to support you at key life moments. The best way to explore if we are the best church to help you is to visit a Sunday service. You can also contact the Church Office for further information.
BAPTISMS
Baptism (also known as a Christening) marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. The first step in response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the candidates, but also parents, godparents and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declare our faith. The wider community of the local church and friends welcome the new Christian, promising support and prayer for the future. Hearing and doing these things provides an opportunity for us to remember our own baptism and reflect on the progress made in our journey with God, which is now to be shared with this new member of the Church.
If you would like to know more about holding a baptism for you or your child at St Mark’s Church then please contact the office on 01892 526069 or email: office@stmarkschurch.org.uk and we can arrange a meeting to discuss this.
A Prayer for Baptism
Heavenly Father,
by the power of your Holy Spirit
you give your faithful people new life in the water of baptism.
Guide and strengthen us by the same Spirit,
that we who are born again may serve you in faith and love, and
grow into the full stature of your Son, Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
now and for ever.
Amen
WEDDINGS
The historic church of St Mark’s offers a beautiful setting for your wedding in the presence of God.
Parking is easy and it’s only a 10 minute walk to the iconic Pantiles. If you would like more information for your special day, please contact the church office on 01892 526069 or email: office@stmarkschurch.org.uk – we will be delighted to help!
FUNERALS
Here For You
At St Mark’s we’ll always be here to help you through one of life’s most difficult times. A Church of England funeral is available to everyone, giving support before, during and after the service, for as long as it is needed.
First Steps – making contact
Whether you’ve met with the funeral directors or not, we are always happy for you to contact one of our experienced clergy for advice and any concerns.
The role of the funeral directors is to liaise between the church, crematorium or cemetery regarding times and dates and they are also responsible for pulling together various practical elements of the funeral service. They will also provide information on fees and how to spread the cost of a funeral. The Church of England does not ask for a fee if the service is for a child under the age of 16.
Flexibility
Each person and situation is unique – A Church of England funeral allows you to give thanks for the person you knew and loved, in a way that gives comfort and hope. There are a number of different shapes to a funeral service. Whether you want the whole service in Church or the whole service at the crematorium, the committal to take place at the crematorium before a service of thanksgiving in church or a stand alone service of thanksgiving for the life of a loved one – we will work with you to find the most appropriate, individual and fitting tribute to your loved one. Sometimes we are not immediately ready to let go and we keep the ashes of a loved one for a time, however there may come a time when you feel ready to let go and we are always here to help you arrange an interment of ashes.
Hope
The message at all Church of England funerals, wherever they happen, is one of hope. Although there is sadness because someone you knew and loved has died, in every Church of England funeral there will also be a message of hope in life after death.
Ongoing Support
Wherever you live, wherever the funeral takes place, whatever your link to the person who has died, we are here for you. We have a committed team who can provide ongoing support for as long as you may need it.
Please contact us for further information on how we can facilitate your wishes for your loved one by contacting us on 01892 526069 or by emailing office@stmarkschurch.org.uk
Prayer for the Departed
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
Amen