Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals in Kents Hill, MK
Marking your family’s most significant moments
Whether you’re celebrating a new arrival, planning a wedding or saying a final goodbye, we’re here to help you mark the significant moments of life.
Our church here in Kents Hill is a modern, purpose-built church with an attached community centre where guests can gather for refreshments after the service or for evening celebrations.
If you’re thinking about a church baptism, wedding or funeral, please phone us on 01908 011436 to arrange a meeting with Pastor Ian who would be very happy to chat through the options with you.
Welcoming the newest member of your family
Infant baptism (Christening)
During an infant baptism, water is poured on the child’s head to symbolise the start of their journey as a member of God’s family. Central also to the service, you and the godparents make promises to raise your child within the Christian faith. As an ecumenical church, we offer child baptisms within the Church of England, United Reformed and Methodist traditions, led by the relevant minister within the Walton Churches Partnership. Child baptism isn’t a feature of the Baptist tradition but our Baptist minister, Pastor Ian, is available for believer’s baptisms, see below.
Dedication
A dedication service is a lovely option if you want to thank God for your child but would like your child to make their own choice about baptism when they’re older. There’s no water but instead the pastor blesses and prays for your child. You and your godparents also promise to provide a loving, Christian upbringing for your child.
Thanksgiving
If you want to say thank you for your child and ask for God’s blessing, without making the promises associated with a Christening or dedication, ask us about a thanksgiving service. This is also a good option if you prefer to let your child decide about baptism later in life.
"Let the little children come to me" (Mark 10:14)
Celebrating your faith before God
Believer’s baptism
A believer’s baptism is a public commitment of faith and a wonderful celebration in our church. It usually involves brief, full immersion in water in our small pool at the back of the church. As you rise out of the water it symbolises your new life in Christ. Where full immersion is too difficult, water can be trickled gently over your head instead.
"We were baptised, so we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father" (Romans 6:4)
Wedding celebrations
Weddings
We love hosting a wedding! Your wedding day is a a very special, sacred milestone and we welcome couples looking to exchange their vows here in our church in the presence of God. We work closely with you both to ensure the ceremony is personal and meaningful and can help you choose hymns, readings and music, ensuring your ceremony reflects your unique life together.
Vow renewals
Many couples find great contentment and joy when they renew their wedding vows. Whether it’s your 10th or 50th anniversary, or you’re looking to renew your vows after a time of difficulty, we’re here to help you celebrate the enduring strength of your marriage.
Blessing
If you’ve already been legally married in a civil ceremony, a church blessing is an opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to each other before God. During the blessing, Pastor Ian places his hand on or near your joined hands as a symbol of God’s love, protection and sacred recognition of your marriage.
"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God" (1 John 4:7)
Remembering a loved one
Funerals
We’re so sorry for your loss and understand that this may be a very difficult time for you right now. Pastor Ian is here to support you and will prepare a service that honours the unique personality and life story of your loved one. The funeral can be held here in our church at Kents Hill, followed by a burial or cremation, or our minister can lead the entire service at a local crematorium.
Memorials and thanksgivings
A memorial service is an opportunity to honour and celebrate a person’s life and usually happens some time after a funeral. Family and friends gather to remember their loved one and share stories and tributes in perhaps a more relaxed way than at a funeral. Pastor Ian is here to help you host the service, offering prayers, readings and reflections that offer comfort and hope.
We are also here for a cup of tea and a chat if you are struggling with your loss, and can signpost you to other places of support.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18
We’re here to help you mark the significant moments of life
If you’re thinking about a church baptism, wedding or funeral, please call us on 01908 011436 to arrange a meeting with Pastor Ian who would be very happy to chat through the options with you.