SERVICES OF THE CHURCH
Main Services of the Liturgy
Holy Eucharist, Prime, Vespers, Complin, Healing & Benediction please contact one of our Clergy to find out more.
Other Services:
Baptisms
When a new baby arrives, families and friends want to celebrate. They want to join in saying “thank-you” for the miracle of new life.
A Baptism Service – often called a “Christening”- caters for all this. It also includes promises about following the Christian teachings. It reminds us that all baptised people belong to the Church – the family of God.
A baptism is a very important occasion involving you helping your child to “walk in the way of Christ” and “take their place within the life and worship of Christ’s Church”. If you wish to have your child baptised or wish to be baptised yourself, please contact one of our Clergy.
Marriage
A marriage service, wherever it is held, is a public declaration of love and commitment to your partner. Our Clergy are happy to discuss this important step and guide you through the process. You will not be expected to attend Church services on a regular basis but in doing so you will share in the life of the Church and the Love of Christ.
We welcome and encourage you to have your service in Church, but alternatively we will be pleased to discuss arrangements for a ceremony elsewhere. This may be in the family home or a venue hired specially for the occasion. The service may be elaborate or very simple depending upon your own preference.
Renewal of Marriage Vows
Every married couple should feel and express their love and commitment to each other. There are times when it is especially appropriate for this to be a more public occasion. It may be that your marriage did not take place in church and it is important for you now to recognise the importance of acknowledging God’s blessing upon your marriage.
As you celebrate with the renewal of your vows, you affirm your belief in the sacred gift of your marriage. The service is an affirmation of the strength of your love and your faith in each other and in God.
Most people will find that this Christian service provides a special opportunity to celebrate their renewed commitment to each other. This service is not a marriage service, it is the declaration of continuing love and devotion rather than a legal ceremony. Therefore the only condition placed upon those seeking this service is that they are already legally married.
No wedding register is signed on this occasion, however the service is recorded in the church register and a special church card will be presented to the couple, signed by the Minister conducting the service.
Funerals
Every funeral may be a time of painful loss. The Funeral Service acknowledges this sense of grief and sorrow. But it also offers hope and encouragement as well. For it speaks of the resurrection of Jesus and the reality of an eternal life. It reminds us that the Lord is with us – offering strength and comfort.
This is the message which the Church has to offer you at this time. But we know that – apart from occasions like this – many people have lost touch with the Church. We are also aware that some people are sad about this. From time to time – and especially at a funeral – deep questions press in upon us all. The Christian faith does not offer glib answers to these deep questions. But it does bring confidence and hope to millions of ordinary people as they face these issues – and as they live their day to day lives. If you feel that this is a good time for you to look again at these questions, we are here to help. Please contact one of our Clergy.
Blessings
The Church provides a number of services specifically for the bestowing of blessings upon People, Places and objects.
Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father "with every spiritual blessing." This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the Holy Trinity, usually while making the sign of the cross of Christ. It is often a good idea to have a house or other place blessed from time to time. Incense and holy Water are used when blessing places or objects. Please contact one of our Clergy.
Exorcism
When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against evil, it is called exorcism. Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcising. In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism and during our Healing service. The solemn exorcism, called "a major exorcism," can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church. Should you feel that you require help of this kind please contact the Vicar General at vicar.general@lccinbi.org.
Spiritual Guidance
The Liberal Catholic Church teaches that all persons are connected to a Divine source of Wisdom. That Wisdom constantly speaks to us, offering us help and guidance, and urging us toward the life choices that will make the Divine goals of peace, love, and justice manifest in our lives and in the world. Most of us need help from time to time hearing and understanding the Divine voice.
There may be a time in your life when you need to sit with another person, with whom you can talk in confidence about your spiritual journey and explore how the Divine may be speaking to you. Experience shows that people will often seek spiritual guidance because they are facing a difficult life choice or possibly some guilt is weighing heavy upon them. It may be that you have specific spiritual questions, or are sensing a call to go deeper on your spiritual journey.
The Guide sometimes referred to as a Spiritual Director is not themselves the source of Wisdom. Rather, the Guide agrees to be a companion on the Pilgrim’s journey. The Guide and the Pilgrim turn to face the same direction and they walk forward together. To find out more about Spiritual Guidance please contact the Vicar General at vicar.general@lccinbi.org