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As part of the Church of England, the 'National Church', we try to offer a ministry to anyone who wants it and
lives in our parish, whether they come to church or not. The clergy often meet people either in times of great
sadness or times of joy.

HOLY BAPTISM

Application for baptism should be made in church at parish office time :

Monday between 7.30 and 8.00p.m., and Wednesday between 10.15 and 10.45a.m.

Baptism is normally administered on two Sundays each month at 12.15p.m. Parents will be invited to a group
preparation session one evening up to ten days before the baptism, and will also be asked to attend the All-Age
Parish Eucharist on the Sunday following the baptism, when the newly baptised are welcomed by the
congregation into the fellowship of the Christian Church, and the baptism certificate is presented.

Baptism is available to all infants who live within the parish of Spondon, and, at the discretion of the clergy, to
those outside the parish with a strong link with either St Werburgh's Church or Spondon parish.

The Baptism of Adults will normally be in the context of a person wishing to become more actively involved in
the life of the Church, and anyone considering this should make contact with the Vicar.

MARRIAGE

Application for marriage should be made in church at parish office time :

Monday between 7.30 and 8.00p.m., and Wednesday between 10.15 and 10.45a.m.

Some 25 - 35 couples get married at St Werburgh's every year. According to civil law, to be married at St
Werburgh's you have to live within the boundaries of the parish of Spondon or to be on the electoral roll
(membership list) of St Werburgh's Church.

Marriage of divorcees in church

St Werburgh's Church affirms the ideal that Christian marriage should be the union of a man and a woman for
life. Nevertheless, we recognise that for many different reasons, marriages do break down and that, because at
its heart the message of the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of forgiveness and redemption, we
are prepared to consider a second marriage in church after divorce, depending on the particular circumstances.
Couples considering this should make an appointment to see the vicar, who will wish to discuss this with them in
some depth.