PASTORAL CARE

We aim to be of service throughout life, in good times and in bad. If you, or someone you know could benefit from a listening ear or supportive presence, then please contact us. We will try to help if we can.

BAPTISM

If you are interested in having your child or toddler baptised then the first step is to attend a Baptism Presentation. These are held every month in the church. Please come to the parish office weekdays Monday to Friday 9:30 to 12:00 noon and on Tuesday evenings between 6.00pm and 7.30pm to find out the date of the next presentation. You will find the parish office across the road from the church to the right of the church hall.

MARRIAGE

If you would like to book a wedding at St. Lawrence's then please come to the parish office, which can be found opposite the church to the right of the church hall open each day between 9:30 and 12:00 noon and on Tuesday evenings between 6.00pm and 7.30pm. We will be pleased to help if we can. Previously the law of the land meant that you could only get married at St. Lawrence's Church if you either live in the parish or attend worship there regularly. However the CHURCH OF ENGLAND MARRIAGE MEASURE 2008 considerably widened this criteria by introducing a range of qualifying connections, if you believe you may meet one of these new connections or would like to know more about them please contact the clergy to discuss this further.

The clergy would be pleased to discuss with couples all aspects of the marriage service, including the posting of banns, service protocol, choir, bells and any other areas of concern you may have.

A wedding is a very special day in anyone's life and everyone at St. Lawrence's wishes to make it as enjoyable as possible.

WHEN SOMEONE DIES

When someone dies, relatives and friends can be left to face all sorts of emotions, ranging from regret to relief, confusion to despair. Everyone deals with bereavement in a different way. At St Lawrence's there are people who are used to the honest expression of grief and who are ready to offer help and support.

Here are some ways in which we might be able to help:

by providing someone to talk to openly and in confidence without the fear of being pursued or ‘made to come to Church'.
by offering a Christian perspective on what happens at death which can help others to frame or express their own beliefs.
by providing the opportunity to remember and pray. Many have found times of worship and prayer to be comforting and helpful. Most services in our churches include prayers for those who have died and their families and friends. Others focus on healing and wholeness. Each year, in November, we hold a memorial service for those whose funerals have been conducted by the clergy in the past year.
by offering practical advice.
by putting people in touch with experts in bereavement care