St. Mary’s in Overton Drive; Wanstead’s historic parish church is Redbridge’s only Grade One listed building, and still retains its original character of 1790. With its gallery it can seat 500, but it is as comfortable and pleasant with 30. Its fine organ speaks clearly into the acoustics of this elegant Georgian church. A small carillon of four bells can be rung before and after the service.
Christ Church in Wanstead Place is an impressive Victorian Gothic Church designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. Its high spire dominates the green on which it sits. It is surrounded by its own well-tended garden. Again although a large building, a smaller congregation will not feel lost in the church. The church has an historic William Hill organ and a full peal of bells, which can be rung before and after the service.
FAQ:
How much does a marriage service cost?
The cost including the legal fees, the organist, flowers and permission to video the service is around £680. Please click here for further details. It can be less if you want a service without music. There is an additional cost for the carillon at St. Mary’s and bells at Christ Church.
I have been previously married and am now divorced. Can I be married in church?
The parish has an agreed policy for those seeking marriage who have been previously married and whose former partner is still living. Provided the new relationship was not the direct cause of the breakdown of the former marriage, and children from the marriage are being properly cared for and there is no open scandal associated with the breakdown of the marriage, we are in principle willing to marry you in church. One of the clergy will need to speak with you in some more detail and we will need to see your decree absolute. Marriage is not usually solemnised in church after more than one divorce.
What are the reading of the banns?
Banns are an announcement in church of your intention to marry and a chance for anyone to put forward a reason why the marriage may not lawfully take place. Banns need to be read in the parish where each of you lives as well as the parish church in which you are to be married, if that is somewhere else. You must have your banns read out in church for three Sundays during the three months before the wedding. This is often done over three consecutive Sundays but does not have to be.
Can I video the service?
Yes – permission to do this is included in the basic fee.
Can I throw confetti?
Yes – but please away from the church door!
Can my friend read or sing at the service?
This can usually be easily accommodated. Our director of music is always happy to help in choosing music for your service.
Can we have a reading other than from the bible (a poem for example)?
One reading from the bible is always included but it is quite possible to include another appropriate reading.
We don’t live in Wanstead - can we be married in the parish?
Yes… if you have a "qualifying connection" which could be that your parents or grandparents were married in the parish, you lived in the parish at sometime or you have worshipped here for at least six months. The clergy will be happy to advise you on this.
If you have other questions please email rector@parishofwanstead.org. or for further information about weddings in the Church of England visit www.yourchurchwedding.org
To arrange a wedding:
Please come to Christ Church at 8 pm on the first Tuesday of the month. If this time is impossible for you please telephone Jan on 07941 525509 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 07941 525509 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or telephone or email one of the clergy to arrange a mutually convenient time.
There is a map showing both churches which can be used for your guests on the Visitors page
Baptisms
Welcoming a new child into your home is always a very precious moment, a time when we reflect on our lives and the values important to us and our families. Baptism can be part of this as we ask God to enfold our children in his love.
As a parish we want to welcome those who come to us seeking the baptism of their children knowing how important it is today to know that we belong and are part of a community.
In baptism, you as parents are thanking God for his gift of life, deciding to start your child on the journey of faith and asking for the Church's support.
For your child, baptism marks the start of a journey of faith, which involves turning away from the darkness of self-centredness, turning towards Christ and becoming a member of the local and worldwide Christian family.
Baptism is a 'sacrament': a visible sign of God's love. In baptism, we thank God for his gift of life and publicly acknowledging his love. We are acknowledging that we all need to turn away from the darkness of evil and to make a new start with God.
Baptism normally take place during the main Sunday service at St. Mary’s or Christ Church. This is so that your child can be seen to be joining the family of the Church and be welcomed into membership. However baptisms can take place outside a service, usually on a Sunday at 1 p.m. at Christ Church and at 12.30 p.m. at St. Mary's.
When you bring your child for baptism, you will be asked to declare publicly on behalf of your child that you believe in God and that you will bring your child up to follow Jesus.
You will be asked to answer on your child's behalf, that you have decided to turn away from everything which is evil or sinful and to turn instead towards Christ.
The declarations made by you and the child's godparents will be made in front of the church congregation. The congregation will promise to support you and pray for you and your child.
We will make sure you and your family and friends know where to sit and when you need to move. Some parts of the service will be for the whole congregation to join, some will be for you and the godparents.
For the baptism itself, parents and godparents will be asked to gather either at the front of the church to make declarations on behalf of the child and then move to the font.
A number of important symbols will be used during the service itself:
The sign of the cross - the priest will make the sign of the cross on your child's forehead. This is like an invisible badge to show that Christians are united with Christ and must not be ashamed to stand up for their faith in him.
Water - the priest will pour water on your child's head. Water is a sign of washing and cleansing. In baptism it is a sign of being washed free from sin and beginning a new life with God.
Anointing - after baptism in water, the priest will anoint the child with oil. This is a sign of the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit.
The welcome - the church congregation will say some formal words of welcome to acknowledge that your child has joined the Church and to show how pleased they are to have you among them.
Candle - Jesus is called the light of the world. You will be given a lighted candle, lit from the Easter candle, at the end of the service as a reminder of the light which has come into your child's life.
Before the service one of the clergy will meet with you explain the service and the promises you will be making.
Baptism is also available for older children and adults; please speak to the clergy.
Baptisms can be arranged at 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Christ Church or if that time is impossible, please telephone Jan on 07941 525509 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 07941 525509 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or email or telephone one of the clergy to arrange a mutually convenient time.
