MARRIAGES, BAPTISMS, FUNERALS

Marriages

We believe that marriage is a gift from God. It is given that a man will be united in heart, body and mind with his wife as Christ is united with his bride, the Church. We believe that marriage is given as the foundation of family life in which children are born and nurtured. It enriches society and strengthens our communities. We are always delighted when people wish to make this commitment to each other before God and would be delighted to host your special day.

Whilst many people wish to get married in the parish where they live, you may have some other connection with us which makes you want to hold your wedding in the Burford Benefice. The Church of England has some useful information here on choosing a church for your wedding.

Because we value marriage so highly, we love to support those who are about to embark on this journey together. We offer an excellent marriage preparation course, details of which can be found here.

If you wish to be married in the Burford Benefice please complete contact the church office here. Whether you choose to celebrate your big day with us or not, may we take this opportunity to offer you our congratulations and prayers for a happy and blessed life together.

Baptisms

Baptism is the sign God gives to mark out his people. The water is like a badge, a uniform or a wedding ring, showing that we belong to Jesus Christ. God promises forgiveness of sin and new life to everyone whom he has adopted into his family.
 
When an infant is baptised, Jesus claims them to belong to him. Parents and godparents declare their own faith and promise to teach their child what it means to live for Jesus. They commit to bringing them to church and helping them to grow in faith and understanding.

Some parents want to thank God for the gift of their child but don’t feel comfortable affirming their faith or making the serious commitments involved in baptism. They often prefer a Service of Thanksgiving where we thank God, pray for, and bless the child.

Sometimes people who were not baptised as infants come to faith in Jesus as teenagers or adults. Jesus calls them to be baptised as a sign of belonging to him. We are delighted to baptise people of any age who are willing to commit themselves to the Lord.

If you would like more information, please contact us at the Church Office or fill in this form here

Funerals

We offer funeral services to mark the end of a person's life here on earth. Family and friends come together to express grief, give thanks for the life lived and commend the person to God's keeping. These can be a small, quiet ceremony or a large occasion in a packed church. Anyone who lived in one of our parishes or who has attended church in one of our churches is entitled to have a funeral service in the benefice and to be buried (or to have their ashes buried) in the churchyard. We are also happy to take services for anyone who has a close personal connection with our parishes. The person who died does not have to have been a churchgoer to have a church funeral.

Burford churchyard is closed for burials but we can still inter ashes in the Garden of Remembrance. Burials can take place in Burford Cemetery by arrangement with the Town Council (01993) 823647 and one of the clergy can carry out the burial there.

If you would like to enquire about a funeral please contact the Church Office or telephone on 01993 823788.