life events

Baptisms and blessings

Baptism is a sign and symbol of God's grace and blessing, and the entry point into the Church, Christ's body on earth.  

As such, it is communal in nature, connected with the local worshipping community.  Given this, it is generally conducted during Sunday worship in front of the congregation and, in the case of infant baptism, there would generally be some connection to the local parish.

The Church of Scotland expects at least one parent or other close family member [often a grandparent] either to be a member of the local church, or be willing to become a member. Regardless, don't hesitate to have a chat with the minister, because, as the old advert says: it's good to talk!  In the baptismal act, those appropriate adults profess their own faith, and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.

Emphasising that baptism is about being a part of the worshipping community, the congregation also make promises of support.

                                                                                                             

Thanksgiving and blessing of a child:

We also offer a service of Blessing and thanksgiving for those who feel unable to make the commitments required in baptism.  Like the baptism service, the blessing ceremony also takes place during Sunday worship, but with different wording and promises, and no water is used.  In the case of children, this service particularly acknowledges and give thanks to God for the gift of a new life, and new beginnings.

Weddings
Ministers of the Church of Scotland are authorised to perform marriages.  The Church of Scotland does not regard marriage as a sacrament and ministers are free to marry people who are not members of the CofS.  However, if neither the bride or groom is a member of the Church, and live outwith the parish bounds, the couple should first approach their local parish minister.





Funeral services
Through its parish system and territorial ministry, the Church of Scotland is committed to providing the ordinances of religion to all who require them.  As such, nobody in the situation of bereavement should hesitate to seek the services of the parish minister, either directly, or through the undertaker.  You do not need to be a member of the Church - and there is no fee for the parish minister: it is part of our service to the wider community.
The use of the church for a funeral, in this parish, also comes without charge, as our way of helping to alleviate some of the expense involved with regard to a funeral.
Currently, the only fees charged are for the services of an organist - rates vary according to organist.
[updated, as at May, 2023]
For further information, click on the link below,
A Guide to Funerals in the Church of Scotland

checked/ updated Oct 2023