St Matthew’s is a part of the Church of England and as such hosts many weddings, baptisms, and funerals for those local to the area. We would be happy to speak to you about any of these events: please contact us on 020 7739 7586 or at rector@st-matthews.org.uk.
Weddings
Weddings are available to those who live within St Matthew’s parish or have a qualifying connection. We encourage all couples who would like to be married, or to have their marriage or civil partnership prayed for in our church, to contact us to discuss your wishes and what we can offer.
It’s important to us that LGBTQ+ couples know of our love and support for them and their marriages and civil partnerships. We believe that for consenting adults, no matter what your gender or whom you love, that love is holy and points to the ultimate reality of God’s Love. Currently the Church of England is struggling to articulate a pastoral theology on ‘same-sex partnerships’. We are praying for the day that in St Matthew’s, a liturgy to marry and bless couples of same sex will be made available to all. In the meantime, please do get in touch with us to discuss a bespoke ceremony.
Baptisms / Christenings & Confirmations
Baptisms (also known as Christenings) are held regularly as part of the Sunday morning service at St Matthew’s. We love to welcome new members of Christ’s body, the church, through this rite. We also conduct confirmation classes for people interested in being confirmed, either in St Matthew’s or at St Paul’s Cathedral.
There is no age too old to be Baptised/Christened or Confirmed. If God is moving you to find out about taking this step forward in your faith, please do get in touch.
Funerals
Funerals are usually arranged with the family of the deceased and a local funeral directors, many of whom we are closely connected with, including English’s (Dignity), Tadman’s, Cripps, and Co-operative Funeralcare. Ask your funeral director about having a funeral at St Matthew’s and they will get in touch with us.
Other Life Events
If there are other significant events in your life that you’d like to mark with prayers or rituals in church please don’t hesitate to contact us. For example:
- wedding anniversaries
- gender transition / gender confirmation
- memorial services for the departed or Requiem masses
- other life event celebrations or markings
We believe that creating meaningful ceremonies is important to help us along our faith journey.