CELEBRATING BIRTH or ADOPTION

Whichever name is chosen for the ceremony, Welcoming, Naming,
Dedication, Blessing, Thanksgiving or Baptism, what is important for
Unitarians is the commitment, by the community as well as the parents,
to offer the child love and support.

Because Unitarians are not bound by creedal rules and customs, they
have the freedom to create child-centred celebrations which meet a wide
range of situations. Our Minister will be happy to devise a ceremony together
with the parents to suit their needs.

Most parents prefer the ceremony to be held in a Unitarian place of worship,
whilst some prefer to hold such a ceremony in the child's home or in a hired
building. In the summer months the ceremony can be held outdoors.

Parents are not asked to affirm anything they do not believe, or to
involve themselves in the church more than they are willing.

For parents who belong to different religious traditions, the source material
from their own faiths can be integrated into the ceremony, thereby respecting
the integrity of all concerned.

CELEBRATING MARRIAGE

Unitarian weddings are different from traditional orthodox weddings
in several ways. In contrast, Unitarians emphasise that the decision to marry
is made by two individuals in relation to their own spiritual visions, rather than
as an act of obedience and conformity to a particular religious code.

Often people coming to the Minister for the first interview who have been
divorced, or who come from varying religious backgrounds are anxious that
they will either be turned away or will have to agree with certain creeds.
This is not the case, the form and content of wedding services are usually
arrived at by the minister working together with the couple concerned
according to their circumstances and wishes.

The elements of your Wedding ceremony can include words and readings
from many different religious traditions. You are not obliged to have hymns
or prayers, although most couples do. This is your special service and the
Minister will offer you the opportunity to choose your own vows and readings
if you wish.

BLESSING of a SAME SEX PARTNERSHIP

Our Minister is happy to conduct such a ceremony.
It affords you the opportunity to give thanks for the love which has grown
between you, and to make public statements of commitment to one another.

Your ceremony can be religious, humanist or can incorporate elements
from any faith you choose. It can be conducted in a variety of locations
such as church, park, hotel, gardens or your own home.

FUNERALS and MEMORIAL SERVICES

Our Minister will conduct religious and non-religious or humanist ceremonies.
Readings can range from the Bible to the poems of Robert Frost, from
Robert Burns to Ogden Nash. Often family members have written and
spoken words of tribute.

Music can range from Classical to Jazz, full Brass Band to a Soprano,
the Beatles to a Post Horn Galop.

Our Minister will help and advise you with all the elements of the service
you require. For contact details, click here