Life events – A parish for everyone…
Every square inch of England lies within a Church of England parish, with a church and a ministry team to serve everyone who lives there.
At St Mary’s we will be pleased to help you with your enquiry as far as we are able, but before you contact us you might like to check which parish you live in, using this website: www.achurchnearyou.com (opens in new tab)
Baptism and Christening
Baptism is about becoming a member of the church.
We would be delighted to christen/baptise your child. People being baptised here usually have a connection with St Mary’s which could be living in the parish.
We baptise adults after a short course of preparation, covering the basics of the Christian faith. Usually adults are confirmed by the Bishop soon after baptism or at the same service.
Weddings
A wedding in our church is a wedding recognised for all legal purposes, and our clergy have to follow certain rules about who can be married here, and how it is done.
The procedure is relatively straightforward if one of the couple lives, or has previously lived, within our parish boundaries. However, there are other connections which can qualify you to marry here, so do get in touch with us to find out more.
Special rules apply for those who are not British citizens, or who have a former spouse who is still alive. We can talk these through with you.
Banns
Prayers of Love and Faith for same sex couples
Prayers of Love and Faith for same sex couples are available at St Mary’s: privately and in regular public worship. To request the prayers, please contact the Church Office.
Funerals
Our ministry team can offer you a service in church and/or at a cemetery or crematorium. It is usually the funeral directors who coordinate all the arrangements for a funeral, and you can ask them to contact us when choosing a suitable date and time. However, if you want to contact us direct, then you are welcome to do so.
Burial of ashes
Our churchyard was used for burials for hundreds of years, and there is no room left for new graves. However, we have a memorial garden where families like to bury the cremated remains of their loved ones.
Bereavement café
The months after the death of a loved one can be very difficult, and sometimes it is hard to know who to talk to. With partner churches in Wanstead and Aldersbrook, we run two monthly drop-in cafés for those suffering loss or bereavement:
- on the first Tuesday of each month, at St Mary’s, from 2pm to 3pm
- on the second Tuesday of each month, at Christ Church Wanstead, from 7pm to 8pm.
- on the third Tuesday of each month, at Christ Church Wanstead, 10.30am to 11.30am.
There is no charge, no need to book, just drop-in – you will be warmly welcomed.