Wymersley Benefice
Life Events
Baptism/Christening
Everyone is welcome to get in touch to learn more about baptism or christening, whether you’re an adult exploring baptism for yourself or a parent considering christening for your child. A christening is a beautiful moment when your child is baptised with water, marking the beginning of a remarkable faith journey. It’s a special day for both your child and your loved ones. Find out more
During the Service
Curious about what happens during a Church of England christening? You can find a step-by-step guide to the service here: Church of England Christening Service
Choosing Godparents
Choosing godparents is an important decision, and it’s typical to select three. Whether you’re still considering your choices or have already asked some special people, the Church of England offers helpful resources on choosing and being a godparent:
Our vicar is always happy to talk with you about selecting godparents and involving them in the christening preparations
Do Parents Have to Be Baptised or Christened?
Your child can be baptised in a christening, even if you, the parents, are not baptised. Only the godparents are required to be baptised—so the only situation where a parent would need to be baptised is if they are also acting as a godparent
Cost
The great news is that a baptism service itself is free. If you’re hosting a family gathering afterwards, you might need to plan for venue rental and refreshments. For more information, visit the Church of England’s website: Church of England Christening Info
Confirmation
Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey when the candidate affirms their faith into which they were baptised
Confirmation is often the next step after baptism and marks a key moment in the Christian journey. It’s a time when those baptised (or Christened) earlier in life make a personal commitment to their faith. While it’s typically older children who choose to be confirmed, people of all ages are warmly welcomed to take this step—there’s no age limit
During the ceremony, a bishop prays and lays hands on those being confirmed, asking God to empower them through the Holy Spirit to lead a life of faith and dedication to the Church. Unlike baptism, which is usually done as an infant, confirmation is a personal decision, and it carries a deeper significance for those who choose it
If you’d like to learn more about Confirmation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
Weddings
Getting married in a church is a meaningful way to celebrate one of life’s most important moments. A village church, in particular, offers not just a beautiful setting for your ceremony but also a close-knit, supportive community that can become a source of lifelong friendship and support. By choosing your local church, you’re connecting to a rich tradition of faith and love, while also becoming part of a community that’s there for you throughout your married life. It’s a wonderful place to build your relationship on a foundation of faith, surrounded by the love of family and friends who will continue to walk with you long after the wedding day
*To marry in a particular Church of England Church you need to have a special connection with that Church (e.g. living in the parish for the past 6 months). To find out if you qualify, see the Church of England’s website
For further details please contact us
Funerals
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’s needed
Church Funerals
Losing a loved one is always a difficult and painful time, and planning a funeral—whether for a family member, friend, or even thinking ahead for yourself—can bring many questions. A church funeral offers a space to remember and give thanks for a life, while also commending the person into God’s care. It is a time to come together in grief and love, whether in a small, quiet gathering or a larger, public service
Who can have a funeral in church?
Anyone who lives within the parish is entitled to a funeral led by a Priest or Lay Reader. We also officiate funerals for those who regularly worship with us, even if they live outside the parish. Where space allows, those who live in the parish or are on the church’s electoral roll may also be buried in the churchyard
Planning a Funeral
For some, planning a funeral can be an important part of the grieving process. You may already have an idea of what your loved one wanted, or you may feel unsure where to begin. The first step is to contact a funeral director of your choice, who will assist with the practical arrangements, including dates, times, and other necessary details. The funeral director will then get in touch with us, and the minister leading the service will arrange to meet with you—at your home where possible—to guide you through the next steps
For more information on funerals, please see the Church of England’s website
Church Yard Regulations and Memorial Applications
Memorials in the churchyard must follow specific guidelines to ensure a sense of harmony and respect within the space. Permitted materials are typically natural stone in keeping with the surroundings, while polished black granite, coloured stones, or non-traditional designs are generally not allowed. Inscriptions should be simple and reverent, and certain imagery or wording may require additional approval. Kerbstones, fencing, artificial flowers, and other decorative items are not permitted
To help maintain the churchyard as a peaceful place of reflection and dignified remembrance, we ask that plastic wrapping or pots are not left, and only a small number of bulbs may be planted. Cut flowers or wreaths of artificial poppies in remembrance of those who died in service to their country are permitted. Up to three small toys or ornaments may be placed on a grave for a period of 12 months, but after this time, they should be removed. Statues, sculptures, candle holders, and any form of lighting, including solar lights, are not permitted
Objects and flowers that do not comply with these guidelines, or have deteriorated over time, may be removed—not to be unkind, but to support the volunteers who care for these sacred spaces and to ensure they remain a place of peace for all who visit
If you are considering a memorial, we strongly recommend contacting us before making arrangements
For full details on what is allowed, please refer to the churchyard regulations: Peterborough Diocese Registrars webpage
Other Occasions
There are several other special services that we could help you mark, from a wedding blessing or thanksgiving for the gift of a child to a memorial service. Please get in touch with the vicar if you would like to discuss this further
