Life Events
St Columba’s plays an essential role in providing worship and spiritual guidance for key life events, from blessings and baptisms to marriage and funerals.
Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland, the other being the Sacrament of Holy Communion. In the baptismal service those adults responsible for the care of a child profess their own faith and promise to give their child a Christian upbringing. In the case of adult baptism, they make the appropriate promises themself.
Baptism is normally during Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as incorporation into the body of Christ and the life of the Church.
The Thanksgiving and Blessing of a Child
Since 2003, the Church of Scotland has provided orders for the thanksgiving for, and blessing of, a child. The blessing ceremony takes place during Sunday 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.
Those wishing to give thought to whether a Baptism or a Blessing is most appropriate for their child should contact the minister, who will discuss with them the wording, responsibilities and commitment involved.
Christian Marriage
Our Minister is authorised to perform marriages. St. Columba’s does not regard marriage as a sacrament and ministers are free to marry people who are not members of the Church of Scotland. However, if neither of the couple is a member of the Church, the first approach should be to minister of the parish in which one or other of them resides
Weddings
Congratulations on your decision to be married, and welcome to our website as you consider whether St. Columba’s Church is the place for your ceremony to happen. In choosing to be married in St. Columba’s, you will be married within a unique historic setting according to the practice and tradition of the Church of Scotland.
Those wishing to be married within St. Columba’s Church should contact the Minister and make an appointment to discuss dates and times. More information about what happens during a marriage ceremony and potential costs are discussed at this first meeting.
Funeral Services
The Church of Scotland seeks to serve all the people and not just the membership of the Church. Nobody in the situation of bereavement should hesitate to seek the services of the Minister, either directly or through the Funeral Director.
Hall Lets
We have three halls, one with a small kitchen. One room has a TV and DVD suitable for presentations. The main Church includes a modern AV set-up.
To discuss hall lets contact [email protected]
