Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals

Weddings

Over hundreds of years couples have come to be married in these picturesque settings. You don’t need to be a member of the Church to be married in Church but what you do need to consider is that marriage in Church is a Christian marriage, held before God, during which you will make vows to each other of love and faithfulness. In a Christian marriage service God’s blessing is asked for you and for your relationship, your promises to each other are made in his name and your future is entrusted to his hands.

If you would like to enquire more about marriage in either of our churches, please contact the church office for the wedding leaflet and Request Form. The Request Form should be sent to the church office either by email or post. The Secretary will be able to answer any immediate questions, advise about fees etc, and will put you in touch with the minister who will meet with you and discuss the possibility of your marriage taking place in the church of your choice.

For further information click here

Baptism

A Baptism (sometimes known as christening) is an important event in the life of a family, and in the life of our Church family too.

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland, the other being the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. In the case of a child’s baptism, the Church expects at least one parent or other close family member either to be a member of the Church or willing to become a member. In the baptismal service those appropriate adults profess their own faith and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.

Baptism is not only for infants but can be something for adults too but only if they have not been baptised before. In the case of adult baptism, the person themselves makes the appropriate promises.

Baptism normally takes place at Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as becoming part of the body of Christ and the life of the Church. There is a little more flexibility in the case of genuine emergencies, normally in a hospital situation.

Amongst the promises made by parents at the baptism of their child, and by adults at their baptism, is to become part of the Church’s life – and for children this would mean coming to the church and JAM and EJAM Clubs, as they grow up.

The Thanksgiving and Blessing of a Child

Since 2003, the Church of Scotland has recognised that whilst some parents want their child to be Baptised/Christened they do not want to officially join the church and so it is now possible for the thanksgiving for, and blessing of, a child. to take place.  The blessing ceremony takes place at morning worship following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used. Nothing is required of the parents in either commitment or belief. Please contact the minister for more information.

Bereavements and Funerals

A bereavement is a difficult time for everyone. People can have so many different feelings and emotions about what has happened.  Shock, grief, anger, relief, and thanksgiving are all common feelings. On top of all the natural emotions that are felt when a death occurs, there are many arrangements to be made.

If you are a member of Aberlady and Gullane Parish Church, or live within the parish, or area in and around the church, you can call on the minister to conduct a funeral.

Before you make any plans or decisions it is important that you engage a reputable Funeral Director who will guide you through the sometimes complex, arrangements that need to be made. It is the job of the Funeral Director to act as the link between you and the minister, as well as make any of the necessary bookings for the Church service or the Crematorium or Cemetery. You will also be able to discuss booking a suitable venue for the ‘refreshments’ after the funeral service if that is something you would like to do.

The minister will make arrangements to meet with you to discuss the form of the funeral service after the date, time and venue have been agreed by all parties. Some of the things you might want to think about could be hymns, Bible readings, poems or other readings, and the content of the tribute or eulogy. The Minister will be happy to guide you through these arrangements. Please contact the Minister for more information.

For enquiries related to baptisms, weddings or funerals please contact the office using the contact form here.