Baptisms and Thanksgiving Services
At Bamford Chapel and Norden URC we offer infant and believers' baptism. Infant baptism is when parents bring thier child to be baptised (sometimes call "christening"). Beleievrs' baptism is when a person seeks baptism for themselves either as an adult or a child of an age where they can make the promises for themselves. Baptism is a one off event and within the United Reformed Church cannot be repeated. If a person was baptised as a baby and then chooses, because of a faith conversion, wishes to be baptised again they cannot do so. They can, however, renew their baptismal promises made on their behalf when a baby. Baptism is for families who feel they can commit to regular attendance at Church. The promises the parents/guardians make before God on behalf of their child(ren) presuppose attendance at Church after the baptism.
The other service offered to families is a "thanksgiving for the birth of a child" service. This may be when the parents wish to give thanks to God for thier child but cannot commit to regular attendance at worship. It may equally be that a parent does not believe in infant baptism but wishes to have a service to mark the birth of a child which is an amazing gift from God to any parents. The promises used at both services are below:
Baptism and Thanksgiving for the birth of a child service information (to download)
If you wish to discuss options then the minister will be more than happy to arrange to meet you and speak to you about the different services. Please email Debbie Wood the Baptism Secretary on d.wood972@ntlworold.com
Weddings and renewal of vows services
At Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church we offer the church for Christian Marriage. This means the service that is offered is a Christian act of worship. We believe people who want to marry in Church want to do so in the presence of God and we beloieve that God wants to bless your marriage. We do not offer same-sex marriages or blessings.
If you wish to find out more about Christian Marriage at Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church then please contact the Wedding Secretary, Julie Platt on 07732 074928. and he will be happy to meet and discuss the process with you. Feel free to print off (or read online) a booklet we have produced to help you plan your wedding service at Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church. Please contact Julie Platt for a copy of the booklet.
Funerals
When a loved one dies it is not easy. If you want to have the fuenral of a loved one at Bamford Chapel and Norden United Reformed Church then please contact one of the ministers: Revd Richard Bradley on 01706 369622 or richard.bradley@nwsynod.org.uk or Revd Daniel Harris on 07563 286345 or daniel.harris@nwsynod.org.uk and they will be happy to speak to you about the dates and times of the services. This has to be done in conjunction with a Funeral Director that the family will usually commission.
If a loved one has died and you are not sure what to do next please phone Richard or Daniel the ministers and they will be happt to advise.