The Church of Scotland plays an essential role in providing worship and spiritual guidance for key life events, from child blessings and baptisms to marriage and funerals.

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Sacrament of Baptism

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland,

the other being the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  

 

In the case of infant baptism, the Church expects at least one parent or other close family member

either to be a member of the Church or willing to become a member.

In the baptismal service those appropriate adults profess their own faith and

promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.

 

In the case of adult baptism, the person themselves makes the appropriate promises.

 

Baptism is normally administered at Sunday worship in front of the congregation.

This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as incorporation into the body of Christ and the life of the Church.  There is a little more flexibility in the case of genuine emergencies, normally in a hospital situation.

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The thanksgiving and blessing of a child

Since 2003, the Church has provided orders for the thanksgiving for, and blessing of, a child.

The blessing ceremony takes place at morning worship following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used.

Nothing is required of the parents in either commitment or belief. 

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 Weddings

Ministers of the Church of Scotland are authorised to perform weddings.

The Church does not regard marriage as a sacrament and ministers are free to

marry people who are not members of the Church of Scotland. 

However, if neither the bride nor groom is a member of the Church, the first approach

should be to the minister of the parish in which one or other of them resides. 

This can take place on any date of the week, subject to the availability of 

the Minister and the church building. 

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 Funerals 

The Church of Scotland serves all the people of Scotland and not just the membership of the Church.

You do not need to be a member of the Church of Scotland to hold a funeral in your local church.

Nobody in the situation of bereavement should hesitate to seek the services of the

parish minister, either directly or through the undertaker. 

This can take place on any day of the week, subject to the availability of 

the Minister and the church building. 
 

Our minister Rev Matthew Ritchie can also conduct a private funeral, attended by

family members and friends, within either the crematorium or cemetery. 

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To seek the services of our Minister for any of the above please contact:

Rev. Matthew Ritchie directly (07548 342672) 

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