Baptism is simply the beginning of our life of faith, the beginning of getting to know and understand what it means to be loved by God, and in turn to come to love God. Baptism is God's token to us of his great love for us. At baptism, we join God's family. Being baptised is not an isolated event; it is the beginning of a journey and frequently requires further input. Jesus Christ asks us to be baptised in His name so that parents, godparents, and God can work as we grow in maturity of depth of understanding.
Whenever it happens, whether as a baby, child or adult, baptism is at the heart of an amazing journey of faith as a follower of Jesus Christ. You are never too old to take this step, and being baptised as an adult is a wonderful experience.
You may have been baptised at a christening when you were a child or in a different Christian tradition, and there are always special ways to renew the promises that were made then in a fresh way as you discover more about what it means to live them out in your life.
In our church Baptism services are usually a standalone event for which there is no charge, and all those baptised are invited back to our Family worship service to be welcomed into God’s family. All are welcome for Baptism but ongoing engagement with the church is an important part Baptism which we encourage all who are baptised to commit to.There is no minimum or maximum age when someone can be baptised. It is increasingly more popular that some people are not baptised until they become adults.
There is no difference between a christening and a baptism; the action and the meaning are the same.
A church wedding isn't just a ceremony; it's a sacred start to your marriage. It brings a spiritual dimension to your union, inviting God's blessing, guidance, and support for your journey together. While you can make promises anywhere, in a church, your vows take on a profound significance, publicly declared with the backing of your faith community. These vows, made in the presence of God, are a powerful foundation to help you grow and stay together through life's ups and downs.Our Ministry Team play a unique role in making your wedding truly special. They can beautifully blend ancient traditions with modern insights, weaving in your unique story to create a ceremony that is personal, memorable, meaningful, and deeply beautiful.
Our church building itself is a place of outstanding beauty. Nestled on the edge of a bustling parish with a picturesque countryside setting, it offers a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos, including a beautiful churchyard. Imagine the centuries of history held within these walls; countless couples have exchanged vows here, perhaps even members of your own family. By marrying at St Mary & St Botolph, you become a part of this rich heritage, adding another layer of connection and magic to your day.
At Whitton, you'll have an amazing support team ready to help you every step of the way:
We understand that modern families come in all shapes and sizes, and all are truly welcome at St Mary & St Botolph.
A church funeral offers a profound way to honour your loved one and embrace the comfort and hope of the Christian message. We believe every life is a gift, and a church service provides a beautiful opportunity to thank God for the person who has passed away.
Did you know that if your loved one lived in the parish, or passed away here, they have a right for our parish priest to conduct their funeral? This can be held either in our beautiful church or at a crematorium. We also welcome those with a significant connection to our parish to have their service with us.
Choosing a Christian service led by one of our priests, whether in church or at the crematorium, provides a deeply meaningful and supportive experience. These services sensitively include prayers, a Bible reading, and a Christian message of hope, while remaining welcoming to all, regardless of their personal faith.
We offer flexibility to ensure the service truly reflects your wishes:
At Whitton, funeral ministry is a privilege we take very seriously. We understand this is the final act of love a family can offer, and we invest deeply in ensuring every detail is right. We work closely with funeral directors to make the experience as supportive and positive as possible for you.
We usually have two or three priests available, so we can almost always accommodate your preferred time and day. You can contact us directly, or simply ask your chosen funeral director to get in touch on your behalf.
While our main churchyard is closed for new full burials, we can inter ashes in our peaceful Millennium Yew Garden or in a plot near the hedge. We can also add the burial of a family member's ashes to an existing family grave.
If you are trying to locate a grave, please contact our Church Warden, Sarah Coward.
You can also download and view our Graveyard Rules [here - link to be provided].
If you have specific wishes for your own funeral, helping your loved ones with arrangements after your passing can be a great gift. We offer an easy-to-use form that you can download [here]. Once completed, we suggest giving a copy to your next of kin and perhaps placing one with your will. You can also send a copy back to us for confidential safekeeping and let your loved ones know you've done so.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need more information.