Weddings
Congratulations to you on your engagement. In preparation for your forthcoming wedding we are pleased to be able to offer to perform weddings both within our Church buildings and out of doors as licensed Marriage Officers. In preparation for the actual marriage, preparatory counseling sessions will be scheduled between you as husband and wife with the marriage officer. We are, however, only authorized to use a form of service approved by the Anglican Church of Bermuda. For more information, please contact the individual minister, and fill out the attached form. It contains the usual fees for service which includes the preparation, counselling, the rehearsal and service.
Baptisms
Congratulations on the birth of your child. It is a joy to be a parent. In an ancient song recorded in the Bible, we read that “children are a gift from the LORD.” The birth of a child is a time of wonder at the miraculous handiwork and incredible generosity of our maker, a wonder that can only overflow in grateful celebration. In the Anglican Church of Bermuda, we are delighted to share in this sense of celebration, and offer two options through which it might be expressed:
Baptism is the badge of belonging to the community of God’s people, the church. Children belong to this community because of the Christian faith held by at least one parent. This service therefore involves parent(s) (and godparents) publicly declaring their own commitment to Christ and promising that their child will be brought up in the Christian faith and within the church. Normally speaking, baptisms take place during our morning service at church. The minister will need to meet with parents to discuss what this involves and when the service can take place. In special circumstances the service can happen outside the normal service – with the agreement of the minister.
Thanksgivings
Thanksgivings are offered to those who do not yet feel able to make such strong declarations with integrity. This service is one of joyful thanks and prayer to God for your child, and still provides the wonderful opportunity for parent(s), family and friends to celebrate together. Thanksgiving services can take place in a variety of settings, and in no way exclude the possibility of baptism at a later date.
Funerals
If you have recently been bereaved, please accept our sincere condolences. The Anglican Church of Bermuda would like to support you as much as we can at a time of such sadness and loss. If you would like a visit from one of the clergy, please contact the Diocesan office on 292 6987, or speak to your local minister.
You may be finding it difficult to think of all the things that need to be done when a close relative has died. As regards the funeral, there are a number of things to be considered including burial or cremation. The usual starting place for advice would be the undertaker. The details will be organised between them and the church with care and sensitivity.
The minister conducting the funeral will visit you and listen. They will guide you to know the arrangement of the service and how to make the best choices. The Anglican Church of Bermuda is here to help. Before the funeral and afterwards, we're available to everyone and we'll do our best to support you to the extent that you want.