Its important to recognise and celebrate the birth of a child by a ceremony or service which can be held during the weeks which follow the birth. Our church follows the Unitarian tradition which lays emphasis on thanksgiving for the birth, thanksgiving for the child’s parents and the giving of the names to the child. We tend to call such ceremonies, Namings and Thanksgivings for the Birth of a Child.

We do not ask of the parents and godparents to have any particular  beliefs or make the statements of belief which other denominations require in their ceremonies of Baptism (Christening). We simply ask of the godparents or sponsors that they promise to support the child and its parents in any way that they can and to enable the child the freedom to look into spiritual matters when it has reached an age of discretion.

Outwardly our Naming ceremonies look much like those of the traditional Baptisms/Christenings in the mainstream Churches and we too use water but to symbolise the purity and innocence of a child – not in any sense of washing away inherited sin –often referred to by mainstream Churches as Original Sin. We aim to make the service enjoyable and inclusive, involving the other children in the naming party, where possible. It’s a chance to celebrate life in all its diversity. A certificate is issued at the end of each ceremony.

Our Naming services usually take place at 12.30pm on Sundays. Normally only one family would be involved. These ceremonies should be booked well in advance with the Administrator at our office on Fridays evenings between 4.45 and 6.45 p.m. (Always please check these dates and times on 02392 821101)

Office Opening Times for the Booking of Weddings and Namings: Every Friday between 4.45pm & 6.45pm. You don’t have to make an appointment, just come to the office in the hall.

It is always best to check these dates and times by ringing 02392 821101 – our answering machine will list any late changes.