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If you would like your child to be baptised please contact the locum Minister. Here’s some background information for you along with the contact details.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland, the other being the Sacrament of Holy Communion. In the case of infant baptism, the Church expects at least one parent or other close family member either to be a member of the Church or willing to become a member.

In the baptismal service those appropriate adults profess their own faith and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.

In the case of adult baptism, the person themselves makes the appropriate promises.

Baptism is normally administered at Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as incorporation into the body of Christ and the life of the Church. There is a little more flexibility in the case of genuine emergencies, normally in a hospital situation.

The thanksgiving and blessing of a child

Since 2003, the Church has provided orders for the thanksgiving for, and blessing of, a child. The blessing ceremony takes place at morning worship following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used. Nothing is required of the parents in either commitment or belief. Our guide on the blessing of a child includes more information and a suggested order of service for the thanksgiving and blessing of a child.

For further information please contact our locum Minister, Rev Derek Henderson: his contact details are Tel 01506 844787 Mobile 07968491441 Email dhenderson@churchofscotland.org.uk.

The Church of Scotland seeks to serve all the people of Scotland and not just the membership of the Church. Anyone who has been bereaved can seek the services of the parish minister, either directly or through the undertaker. Our locum Minister is Rev Derek Henderson: his contact details are Tel 01506 844787 Mobile 07968491441 Email dhenderson@churchofscotland.org.uk.

When someone we love dies, life takes on a whole new set of challenges. It may be that the one we love has battled long and hard against an illness, or it could be that this has been a sudden loss which no one could have anticipated. Whatever the circumstances, no one can really prepare us for what it feels like. This post is designed to explain some of the practical things you need to know. It is not written specifically for the bereaved, but it may help in those circumstances. It is written for anyone who wants to know what to do, what to expect, and where to turn assistance.

Arranging a Funeral: Questions

Who can ask for the Minister’s Help? The short answer to this is – anyone. Because the Church of Scotland is A national church, anyone may call on the services of the minister. This may be during a long illness, when life is ending, or in the immediate aftermath. When do we call the minister in? Whenever you feel it may help. Very often, the minister only knows a death has taken place when the funeral director calls. However, the minister is always happy to be called to support a family during illness, and around hospital stays. The minister is not informed by the NHS if someone within the parish is ill or in need of support. So please, if it feels appropriate, don’t be afraid to call.

Do I need to be a member of the church to use the Church? No it is the Parish Church. It is for anyone who lives in the Parish or has a family connection to the parish and they may use the church for a funeral service. How do we plan the funeral? Occasionally, people make their feelings known in advance, and it may be that there is already a written plan, such as hymns already chosen. The minister can even help with planning. A visit to chat about what you want is not inappropriate and can be a help. Often, it is not until after the loved one has died that the family begin to wonder what to do. Many people begin by contacting the Funeral Director who will liaise with the minister regarding when they are available, and checking that the church (or crematorium) is free. The funeral director will pass on all your contact information, and the minister will phone to arrange a convenient time to talk about the service. At the meeting you will be asked about important events in the family history; such as when your loved one was born; which schools they attended, first jobs, their relationships and so on.

It is listening to you talk about your loved one that helps the minister to picture them, tell their story and then choose appropriate music, readings, poems and prayers. Also, if you have not already done so, to help you choose the hymns or other music you want. The minister and local church want to make this difficult time as bearable as possible. We will do all we can to support, care, and carry out your wishes at this time. Please contact the minister if you need to know anything else.

What does it cost to use the church? There is no fee for the use of the church or the services of the minister, and the funeral director will organise the fee for the services of the organist and the church officer.

We welcome enquiries from couples who would like to be married in one of the churches in the Parishes. Please contact our locum Minister, Rev Derek Henderson: his contact details are Tel 01506 844787 Mobile 07968491441 Email dhenderson@churchofscotland.org.uk. We have found the advice below has helped couples planning a church wedding, and you may wish to look through it before contacting him.

In the Beginning

Weddings are exciting, and stressful times for everyone who is closely involved and so we have prepared some notes to help you plan for a wonderful day.

It is helpful, to begin with, if you have thought through why you wish to be married in church. Why do you wish to have a religious ceremony instead of a secular one?

If you, or your partner, come from a different Christian tradition do you understand the differences?

Do you accept that above all else, love is the central reason for which to be married?

Have a think about these questions and feel free to discuss them with the Minister. As you discuss the shape of your marriage service there are many choices to make to help make it personal and meaningful. There are a choice of marriage vows that you may use in your service.

The Minister will plan your wedding service with you so that it will be a service which you will enjoy and find meaningful. This planning will include choosing hymns which you like, discussing the music which will be played before, during and after the service and finding out if any of your friends or family would like to take part by reading, singing, etc.

The Must Do’s

You must consult the Minister before you set the wedding date as the church may not be free on your chosen date.

You must notify the Registrar of your intention to marry and you should check with the Registrar the time scale involved in submitting the paperwork required.

A Marriage Schedule will be prepared which you must bring to the church on the day of the rehearsal.

The service CANNOT take place without the Marriage Schedule.

NO SCHEDULE NO WEDDING!!

Some details you will want to think about

THE ORGANIST

If you are getting married in Abercorn Church consult with the Minister to make arrangements for an organist.

If you are getting married in Kingscavil or Winchburgh the organist from the congregation can be invited to play and assist in any other music you may wish to use.

FLOWERS

You may wish to decorate the church with flowers. You should arrange with the Minister for access.

Abercorn fees

The cost of the wedding service is inexpensive in comparison with the rest of the day!

A contribution is requested of £250

Payment 1: £125 deposit (non-returnable) to be paid on confirmation of date.

Payment 2: £125 payment to be paid at the wedding rehearsal.

The fee for the organist should be discussed directly with the Organist.

If you are being married in a hotel you may consider making a donation to the church.

Kingscavil and Winchburgh fees

The cost of the wedding service is inexpensive in comparison with the rest of the day! A contribution is requested of:

Members of the church £110

(£80 as a donation to the church, £30 for the church officer)

Non Members of the church £130

(£100 as a donation to the church, £30 for the church officer)

The fee for the Organist should be discussed directly with the Organist

If you are being married in a hotel you may consider making a donation to the church

CONFETTI

If Wedding Guests wish to use Confetti please advise them it should be bio-degradable

TIMES OF ARRIVAL

The Ushers (2) 30 minutes before the service with the Orders of Service.

The Bridegroom and Best man 20 minutes before the Service with the RINGS.

The Bride should arrive in time to come down the aisle punctually! There may be another wedding the same day.

If you are having official Photographers they should make themselves known to the Minister on arrival

REHEARSAL

You will need to arrange a date for a wedding rehearsal at the church with the Minister.

Please bring with you –

·           Marriage Schedule,

·           Fees

·           Orders of Service.

Lastly, and very importantly, we hope that you will enjoy your wedding day.

HELP

Please feel free to contact the locum Minister to discuss any matters or problems with him.