Baptism
According to the Methodist Worship Book, baptism (or Christening) marks entry into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, of which the Methodist Church is part. The Methodist Church, like most denominations of the Christian Church, administers the sacrament to both adults and young children.
How do we go about getting our child baptised?
Parents wishing to have their children baptised at Starbeck Methodist Church should approach our minister. They will be able to explain what’s involved. This may involve, in some cases, parents being willing to undertake a number of instruction sessions.
Can you be baptised as a child and as an adult – for instance if you return to the Church after a break?
In the Methodist Church baptism as an infant would normally be followed by confirmation and reception into membership at the point where the person wishes to take on the commitment and responsibility of Christian discipleship for themselves and to play a full part in the life of the Church.
Weddings
Usually a couple wishing to get married should approach the Methodist Minister of the church at which they wish to be married. This would normally have to be in the civil registration district in which they live.
As part of the legal process, prospective marriage partners will need to go to the local registry office and will be given a copy of a book called ‘Married Life’, which is a helpful resource for people thinking about the implications of getting married.
Does one of us have to be a Methodist?
People wanting to marry in church don’t have to be members of the church, but most ministers will ask them why they wish to marry in church. A church marriage is a solemn Christian ceremony, with prayers and Bible readings reflecting Christian understandings of what marriage is about.
What about same-sex marriage?
On 30 June 2021, and following prayerful consideration by the whole Church, the Methodist Conference voted to confirm provisional resolutions on same sex marriages conducted on Methodist premises. Starbeck Church welcome same-sex couples who wish to be married here.
Funerals
A Methodist funeral has all the elements of a traditional Christian funeral. The funeral service can take place in the local Methodist church. However, most do not have burial grounds, or if they do many are full, so cremation or burial at a local cemetery is more usual.
After the Funeral
After the service, it is usual for family and friends to gather together, either at home or at a local venue such as a village hall, hotel or public house. This is an opportunity for mourners to support each other, reminisce and share stories. Light refreshments may be served.
Sometimes, if it is a small, private funeral, a memorial service will take place at a later date for wider family and friends.
What to Wear
It is no longer obligatory to wear black to funerals but, unless the family specify otherwise, smart clothing in subdued colours is expected.