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Life Events

Baptisms


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.


Weddings 


Why Choose a Church Wedding?

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.


The Charm of St Mary & St Botolph Whitton

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.


Our Dedicated Wedding Team

At Whitton, you'll have an amazing support team ready to help you every step of the way:

  • Wedding Coordinator: Our dedicated coordinator works closely with the Parish Priest to ensure all your needs are met.
  • Talented Organist: Whether you dream of traditional hymns, grand wedding marches, or even something more contemporary like Star Wars, our organist is happy to work with you. We have both a traditional church organ and a modern piano to perfectly accompany your chosen music.
  • Full Choir & Soloists: Our choir can lead your singing and perform for you, and we can even arrange for an outstanding soloist, all at very reasonable fees.
  • Beautiful Flowers: Our expert flower team, led by a skilled florist, can arrange stunning floral displays to your taste, again at a very reasonable cost.

Welcoming Everyone

We understand that modern families come in all shapes and sizes, and all are truly welcome at St Mary & St Botolph.

  • Children: If you have children, whether together or from previous relationships, they are welcome! Don't worry about them leaving their seats or making noise; our Parish Priest can offer advice and reassurance. We even have a special area for children to play and can arrange a crèche if needed.
  • Divorce: If one or both partners have been divorced, we are happy to discuss your wedding at Whitton Church.

Funerals 


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.


The Comfort of a Church Funeral

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.


Your Service, Your Choice

We offer flexibility to ensure the service truly reflects your wishes:

  • Full Service: Our priest can lead the entire service at the church or the crematorium.
  • Church First: You can have the main service at our church, followed by a committal and cremation service at the crematorium. Family and friends are welcome at both, or the priest can simply accompany the committal if you prefer.

Why Choose Our Church for a Funeral?

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Our church provides a tranquil, prayerful setting where all emotions—joy, laughter, sorrow, and tears—are genuinely welcome.
  • Personalised Touches:** You'll have a wide choice of music and content to create a unique tribute. We can also arrange church flowers and offer the opportunity to light a candle during the service.
  • Flexible Locations: We can conduct funerals at The Ascension (our community hall) and St Mary's Akenham, where the graveyard remains open for burials.
  • More Time to Remember: A significant advantage of a church service is the extended time it allows. Crematorium services are typically limited to 25-35 minutes, which can feel very brief for truly celebrating a life and allowing for quiet reflection.

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.


Burial of Ashes & Graveyard Information

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].


Ongoing Support & Planning Ahead

  • Bereavement Support: Our care doesn't end with the funeral. We are here to provide bereavement support to families for as long as they need it.
  • Service of Light and Life: Each November, we invite families to our annual 'Service of Light and Life' to remember their loved ones in a special gathering.

Planning Your Own Funeral

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.