Baptisms (Christenings)
Celebrating new life and giving thanks to God
We are delighted to offer baptisms and if you are thinking about this for a young child then we recommend that firstly you visit us on a Sunday morning service – this is for you to check us out! And then we visit you to make the arrangements.
Baptisms can be carried out on any Sunday either during the service at 9.30 am or at a special service just for your family at 1 pm to fit in with your plans for the day. We understand that there are often people travelling long distances to join you for your special occasion.
Godparents
You will need to find some suitable Godparents. You should be looking for three per child of whom at least two should be of the same sex as the child. They should be 18 or over and must be baptised themselves. Try to choose people who you think will support you in encouraging your child to live and grow as a Christian and eventually speak for themselves as they come to confirmation.
What it’s all about
Baptism is the first step along the Christian journey. During the service, parents and Godparents promise to turn away from sin and evil, and to turn to follow Jesus. They promise that they will bring up the child as a member of the church so that he or she may come to know Jesus for themselves, joining in worship and prayer with the Christian community. As your local church we are pleased to offer all the help we can to assist you and your child to fulfill your baptismal promises, but of course, the main responsibility for this is yours.
It also makes much more sense to have your child baptised in your local church. Many people choose another church for all kinds of reasons – but when you link with your local church – then your local church is enabled to be there for you – supporting you, praying for you, and offering practical help in the teaching of the Christian Faith to your child. We offer an after school club in both Cullingworth and Denholme Primary schools and invite you to bring your family to church regularly. We offer craft activity services and Sunday School classes. Young people are encouraged to join our Xplore group and have fun learning about God and playing games, going on outings together. We hope to bring those we baptise into our church family and eventually present them for confirmation where they can speak for themselves and become full members of the Church.
What to do next?
To book your Christening please contact Revd Alison or our administrator Nicole Dickinson on 07788 848830 or beneficehwcd@gmail.com
Weddings
If you would like to book a wedding in St John’s Cullingworth, we will arrange a meeting to discuss the date you require and confirm your eligibility. We shall be delighted to help you arrange a wonderful wedding!
St John’s provides that traditional feel with big stone arches and stone pillars creating an atmosphere that is awe-inspiring but intimate, in which you have a real sense that your friends and family are with you as you make your vows to one another. Our church reflects something of God’s nature – his transcendence and his imminence. In other words, the God we worship is both beyond us and with us – and our building reflects something of his nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to be married in the Parish Church?
One of you will need to qualify using one of the following five criteria:-
1. One of you, or your parents, is resident in this parish, or on the electoral role, or
2. One of you was baptised or prepared for confirmation in this parish, or
3. One of you, or your parents, has at any time lived in this parish for 6 months or more, or
4. One of you, or your parents has attended one of our parish churches for 6 months, or
5. One of your parents or grandparents was married in one of our parish churches, or
6. You can qualify by attending Sunday worship with us over a 6 month period.
Do I have to believe in God?
You are welcome to marry in the Church of England whatever your beliefs, whether or not you are christened and regardless of whether you go to church or not. It is your church, and we welcome you!
What if one of us is divorced?
We are required to ask some questions concerning the circumstances but in most cases it is not a problem, so please do speak to Suzy and she will talk it through with you in relation to your individual situation.
What will it cost?
The fees for church weddings are set nationally and change every year, there are also variations depending upon exactly what you require. At present a church wedding would cost between £600 and £700.
To book your Wedding, please contact our administrator, Nicole Dickinson, at 07788 848830 or beneficehwcd@gmail.com with your enquiries about weddings. For further information, please visit the Church of England Wedding site.
