z Weddings
|
|
Getting married in church is the best possible way to begin married life. It sets the wonder of human love - and it is wonderful - in the context of God's love for us all. The laws about who can get married where are complex, and if you have any doubts, it is best to ring the Vicar and explain your circumstances, and he will be able to advise you. In essence anyone living within the parish boundary has the right to a marriage in our churches. In addition, those who live elsewhere but who are on the Church Electoral Roll are treated as if they are resident, so some couples come and worship regularly with us in order to qualify. Others may be able to obtain an Archbishop’s Licence if they can demonstrate to the lawyers at the Faculty Office that they have a good pastoral reason for getting married here. The Vicar, who has been a marriage counsellor for 25 years, will provide a full opportunity for marriage preparation. He is the author of a book for couples getting married, Growing Together and Making the Most of Weddings - a Guide for Churches (both titles are published by Church House Publishing, price £6.99 each). Andrew and his wife Pippa are also the compilers of a collection of 'Pocket Prayers for Marriage' (Church House Publishing £5.99) We hold a special service around St Valentine's Day each February to celebrate Marriage. The next service is on February 17th 2008 on 6.00 pm at St Lawrence. Invitations go to all who got married the previous year, and to all who have a wedding booked. It is also a time for others to give thanks for their marriage and everyone is, of course, welcome. Both Churches are licensed for weddings and the Church Hall at St Lawrence may be a suitable venue for a small wedding reception. |
