Life Events
BAPTISM
Baptism marks a public beginning to a journey with God that continues for the rest of our lives, the first step in response to God’s love. For all involved, particularly the children being baptized but also parents, godparents, and sponsors, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done for us in Christ, make serious promises and declare our faith in God.
The Church and family and friends gather to welcome those being baptized into the family of God and to promise support and prayer for the future. This provides an opportunity to remember our own baptism and to reflect on the progress we have made on that journey, which we will now be sharing with this new member of the Church.
As the parish church, we are very happy to baptise anyone, adult or infant that approaches us for baptism. We do this after a period of preparation. there is no age limit to be baptised and many more are getting baptised as adults than ever before. This site would provide you with useful information on adult baptism.
The Church of England also provides opportunities for those who are baptised as babies to confirm their commitment to Christ in a service of Confirmation. This site gives you more information on theology as well as answering some of the FAQ on this subject. Please contact Revd Folli Olokose to discuss this.
For children, we would encourage both parents wherever possible to attend the baptism preparation course. The role of Godparents is of utmost importance, hence we believe and in accordance with the regulations of the Church of England, Godparents should be baptized and practising Christians, who will not only be present at the service but also evermore for their Godchild. There is an opportunity to recognise others as Sponsors for the role they play in your or your child’s life. There is no charge for baptism.
Please use the form here to tell us more about your request, you could also contact the Parish Office by email at parishoffice@oatlandschurch.org.uk or Tel 01932231274 to explore dates and possibilities.
MARRIAGE
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13.4-7
If you are on this page., we suppose congratulations are in order!!! Well done, we are so happy for you. A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time of solemn commitment as well as good wishes, feasting and joy. St. John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion at Cana and gave there a sign of new beginnings as he turned water into wine. Marriage is intended by God to be a creative relationship, as his blessing enables husband and wife to love and support each other in good times and in bad, and to share in the care and upbringing of children. For Christians, marriage is also an invitation to share life together in the spirit of Jesus Christ. It is based upon a solemn, public and lifelong covenant between a man and a woman declared and celebrated in the presence of God and before witnesses. We are delighted that you are considering getting married in our church. Many couples enjoy a wedding at St Mary’s. We can offer a choir, bell ringers and flower arranging as options. And there are ample parking spaces in and around the churchyard as well as various reception venues with good transport links to the church.
As the Parish Church of Oatlands in Weybridge, we would conduct the marriage services of all those who live within our parish boundaries. Please use this link to fill in a request form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
If you are contacting us to read your Banns of Marriage, please use the Banns request form here
FUNERALS
We all know the inevitable nature of death. Nevertheless, it is often a very difficult period when we lose a loved one. As Christians, we believe in the promises of Christ of a place better than the present. A place where there will be no more pains and suffering. It is for this reason that at funerals we give thanks for the life of a loved one and we commit them into God’s care. Members of our ministry team are available to lead a funeral service for anyone who lives in the parish. It doesn’t matter if your loved one did not go to church. We believe in a loving God and our church extends that love to all. We understand that some deaths can be traumatic, distressing or unexpected.
The Church has special funerals services for children, or after sudden or violent deaths, including suicide. Please talk to us about what is possible. You could choose whether the service takes place in the church (followed, or preceded, by burial or cremation) or at a crematorium.
Please ask your Funeral Director to contact our Parish Office to discuss arrangements. You could also use the form here to get in touch.
At St. Mary’s we not only have experienced ministers to help you, we also have a dedicated team of trained and experienced Pastoral Assistants. They are ready to support individuals and families through times of bereavement. If you would like a visit from us, please contact the Parish Office parishoffice@oatlandschurch.