Family occasions

Family Occasions at St James

At St James we can help with a family baptism, wedding, or funeral.

Holy Baptism or Christening

Weddings

Funerals

Baptism

Holy Baptism or Christening

It is always a very great joy to welcome new members into the Church of Jesus Christ. Baptism or Christening is the opening or gate way into life with Jesus in the fellowship of his Church. Fulfilling the command of Jesus found in the New Testament of the Holy Bible.

Father John Baptising

Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28: 18-19)

If you are thinking about Holy Baptism for yourself or a loved one or would like to know more then, please pop along to our church office. Details are on the front page of this site.

Remember it is never too late to be baptised the oldest person Fr John baptized was 95 years of age. So if you are an adult and are thinking about Baptism or you would like to know more do get in touch. We do not hold you over the Font, No Pain or Crane involved!

Weddings

Wedding

Your parish church of Saint James Quedgeley and Kingsway has been at the heart of our community since the 13th Century. It is a holy and sacred place of Christian Worship and there for the life and needs of the individual and family. Jesus said:

Father John Baptising

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. (John 15: 9–17)

If you are thinking about Holy Matrimony and holding your wedding at Saint James’ or would simply like to know a little more about what is required, please pop along to our church office. Details are on the front page of this site.

Marriage is a great gift for society, humanity and the world, and is blessed by God.

Holy Funerals

Funeral

Funeral arrangements are something none of us like to think about and we put them off, this sometimes can be unhelpful to those we leave behind. If you have lost someone you love, you may feel confused, stunned, overwhelmed by your loss, and you may even feel angry.

Bereavement brings with it a time of painful but important activity. The death needs to be registered, people informed and funeral arrangements put in place. You will be grieving and grief, like any other form of healing can take time, it can be a painful and lonely process. The Church is here to help.

Christians know that while death is real, there is a greater reality, the hope we have in Jesus and his promise of eternal life. After all death is part of living and although your world may seem dark at the moment, Jesus tells us that, death is not the end – it is the beginning, life does not finish – it goes on. Jesus said;

Do not be worried or be upset. Believe in God and believe also in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house and I am going to prepare a place for you. I would not say this if it were not true. And after I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to myself, so you will be where I am. (John 14)

Some practical points which may help and assist you in arranging a funeral

First

First take a little time for yourself and those close to you, you will find comfort and strength in family and friends.

  • Contact a Funeral Director when you are ready
  • Your funeral director will contact your parish priest or minister on your behalf and arrange a date and time for the funeral after consultation with yourself.
  • Your parish priest or minister will arrange a suitable time to visit you.
  • You will need to decide if the funeral is to be a burial or cremation.
  • You will need to decide where these are to take place.

You may contact your parish priest, funeral director, or minister at any time.

From the Church of England and Parish Church point of view and if your loved one has not made known any particular desires or requests for their funeral, you may wish to consider the following.

Before the death

You can call on the parish priest to visit the dying and offer prayers and holy anointing.

Before the funeral

You can request for the “Reception of the Body” into church on the eve of the funeral service. This is a short service for family and close friends.

The funeral

  • Funeral service in Church followed by burial.
  • Funeral service in Church followed by cremation.
  • Funeral service in church with a celebration of Holy Communion (Requiem)
  • Funeral service at the Crematorium followed by cremation.
  • Funeral service at the Crematorium followed by burial.
  • Funeral service at the graveside.

After the funeral

  • Burial of cremated remains in the Churchyard.
  • Burial of cremated remains at the crematorium.
  • Burial of cremated remains at a different but lawful place

If you wish to contact the clergy at Saint James for any additional information then please do so. We are here to help – please be assured of our prayers.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly"

John 10:10