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St Nicholas Church, Thames Ditton |
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Weddings, Baptisms, Funerals, Fees |
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Weddings
St Nicholas is a popular place to get married. Please contact the parish office or the Vicar for further information.
If you are visiting this website to look up fees, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Please ask your guests not to use confetti: someone has to tidy up!
Here are some other websites which you may find useful: About Weddings - the official page of the Church of England http://www.cofe.anglican.org/lifeevents/weddings
Baptisms
Young people We are delighted to baptise children of families who live in the Parish. For many this is an opportunity to rejoin the Christian family and connect with a local community who will support your child and your family throughout their lives.
We ask that parents attend a Baptism Preparation evening to explore both the meaning of Baptism and the practical aspects of the Baptism service. If you would like to arrange a Baptism you should contact the Baptism co-ordinator: Yvonne Scicluna via the parish office 020 8398 9641
Adults We also baptise Adults – typically where an adult who has not previously been baptised comes to be confirmed. Please discuss this with the Vicar.
Funerals
A first port of call for funerals is often the Vicar or Parish office. We can also help you with the practical aspects and help you find suitable Funeral Directors. This web site can also be a help to family and friends who need to find their way to the church.
When someone we love dies The death of someone we love is a difficult time. We all need the support of our family, friends and those we trust. It is a time when we appreciate the care & prayers of others in the wider community. The church seeks to be part of that caring community.
Arranging a service Many people choose to have a Christian funeral service. John Silk, the Vicar, is pleased to officiate at the funeral service of anyone who lives in the parish. Because of the range of commitments that a Vicar has, please ensure that he is asked before fixing the time of service. If you make the funeral arrangements directly with the funeral director, they will contact the Vicar or Parish Office who will then get in touch with you to arrange a time to meet to plan the service. There are many local undertakers, some of whom advertise in the Parish Magazine.
What are the options? Most people choose between a service in church (followed by burial or cremation) or at a crematorium (e.g. Randalls Park or Kingston). Having a service in church does not commit you to having your loved one buried in a churchyard (see below). It may be that the deceased has made a particular request in their will, so before you make a decision, please check with the executor of their estate. Other than that, it does come down to personal preference.
What does the service involve? A service normally includes music, readings, prayers, a tribute, a short address and space for private reflection. The length of a service can vary, although it usually lasts between 20-30 minutes. The Vicar can help you plan the service.
The Churchyard & Garden of Remembrance In the case of St Nicholas Church, Thames Ditton, the churchyard is now closed for new graves although a family grave can be reopened for a new burial if there is space. We have a Garden of Remembrance, opposite the main entrance to the church, where the cremated remains of those who lived in the parish may be interred.
How much does it cost? The service fees vary depending on where it takes place and whether you choose a burial or a cremation. The local funeral director should be able to advise you on the fees, but if in doubt, please contact the Vicar. There are standard fees (see below) set by the Church of England and Parochial Church Council for funerals. These are normally paid through the funeral director. The services of an organist can be arranged: additional fees are payable for this.
Reception/gathering The church hall may be available for hire for funeral gatherings, although some rooms get heavily booked during the week. Please contact the Parish Secretary for this. We are not able to provide catering.
Finding out more about the Christian faith As a church family, we care for those who live in our community and pray for you as you go through this difficult time. Many people find it helpful to come to church at such a time, in order to take some time out to remember and to think about the bigger picture. You are most welcome to join us any Sunday at 10am. It may be that you have some unanswered questions which you would like to work through. Please feel free to contact the Vicar, John Silk, if you would like to chat further.
Fees
Coming to Church for worship is normally free! There are however a number of Parochial Fees prepared by the Archbishops’ Council. The main fees that are payable by law (excluding “Extras” (see note 1)) are from 1 January 2008:
Notes: (1) The fees listed are the statutory fees payable. It is stressed that the figures do not include any charges for extras such as music (e.g. organist, choir), bells, flowers, and special heating which are fixed by the Parochial Church Council.
(2) The fee for a marriage certificate is fixed by the Registrar General.
(3) If a cemetery or crematorium authority has itself fixed different charges for the minister’s services in a cemetery or crematorium such charges will take precedence over those specified here.
(4) “Monument”, here, is a technical term and includes, for example, a grave stone or headstone.
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