Baptism is the way into the church.
Water keeps us alive and keeps us clean. In the water of baptism we share a new life in Jesus, and we have a clean start in God's grace.
In the bible we read of families, adults and children, hearing about the Christian faith for the first time. They like what they hear, they want to follow Jesus and so they are baptised.
No matter who we are, Christians
share one baptism.
Through baptism we claim the love of God for ourselves
and God claims us.
At Saint Saviour's Smallthorne and Saint Anne's, Brown Edge we still baptise adults, although today people are usually baptised as babies. The baptism promises tell of a Christians faith in God.
We live in a world which has been created by God, a world where people make mistakes, but a world which God still loves.
- At our baptism we promise to renounce evil, to turn to Christ, and to repent of our sins.
- We say that we believe and trust in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- At the end of the service we are given a candle because we are now to be light in the world, to the glory of God the Father.
To know more about baptism, or to enquire about a baptism at Saint Saviour's, Smallthorne or Saint Anne's, Brown Edge, contact us.
A
wedding is a happy day for all concerned.
Two people make public promises about how they intend to live their lives - marriage is for life. They then ask God's blessing on that life together.
Any marriage has its ups and downs, and a church marriage is no different. However, at a church wedding the couple promise each other (and God) that they will work and pray at their marriage.
In the bible we read about the way
that God wants his people to be together in love.
Marriage can be a sign of this.
Jesus himself went to a wedding and, while he was there, left a sign of his glory: marriage is part of God's plan.
At both of our churches buildings we are very fortunate because we have excellent grounds around the church building and we welcome many couples, their families and friends who want to respond to God's invitation to live together in love throughout their lives.
Church weddings are remarkably tightly controlled by law. There is less flexibility about where you can be married. If you do not live in the parish of Smallthorne, have a look at this page.
Each year we have a 'Wedding bells' afternoon when we look at all the things which go into a marriage. If you want to know more simply contact us.
We are all going to die!
There is no escaping that fact.
Many people hope that there is something beyond death;
the thought of living a full life and then passing into
nothing is too scary.
Christians have a real hope, because at the heart of our faith is Jesus who died, was buried and rose to life again.
Christians know that there is life
after death because Jesus has been there and proven it.
Before he died, Jesus told his friends that he was going
to prepare a place for them. Those who believe in Jesus
can follow where he has led.
Of course a lot of funerals take place at Saint Saviour's and Saint Anne's. They are always sad times because people are left behind. But we try also to give hope in Jesus the way, the truth and the life. Each year in November we hold a memorial service. Contact us for details
