Weddings, Baptisms, Memorials, Funerals.
The preaching and hearing of God's Word lies at the heart of our Christian faith and it is our responsibility to facilitate this.
Some of the ECC+C Ministers are hands-on chaplains and so do not serve a specific church building, but we are all able to officiate over any service, be it for the regular celebration of Holy Communion, a wedding (in Hertfordshire and surrounding counties), thanksgiving, Holy Baptism, a funeral or a memorial.
The ideal would be for couples to marry in a local Church. The Church of England has changed its policies and will marry couples whether they are baptised or not, to encourage more church weddings. This is wonderful news as we would always recommend that couples access their local church as opposed to requesting a Christian blessing following a Civil ceremony - but we also appreciate this is not always possible for many reasons.
Please note that most of us will not officiate over services outside our area. We are in Hertfordshire and Essex, covering North London and the surrounding counties of Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. We are also in Lancashire, Yorkshire and Hampshire. As with the Lutherans and other smaller denominations, we do not have many Chapels or Church buildings, but we are working on it! We are not members of the World Council of Churches as yet because they require our congregational numbers to reach tens of thousands - but we work ecumenically with denominations who are - and so advocate the 'Churches Together' ethos.
Many people ask for Holy Communion in their homes or hospitials and we actively encourage this for people who cannot attend church. Celebrating Holy Communion is a priority within all our individual ministries.
Rod Walton holds his services at a Chapel in Lyndhurst. Holy Matrimony, baptisms and wedding blessings are by arrangement.
A blessing after a civil marriage in an hotel with chapel in its grounds has become a favoured option and we are sure all couples requesting God's blessing and approval know this is a serious faith matter. Bishop Michael and his On Call team conduct many wedding services in chapels and churches within hotel grounds.
Please note - not all of our Ministers are happy to conduct a wedding blessing away from their own Church - so please contact the main ECC+C website for contact details.