Marriages
The bible tells us that God is love and that those who live in love, live in God and God lives in them.
(1 John chapter 4. verse 16).
To experience love for another human being, be it a parent or a partner, a friend or one’s children, is to be fully alive with the love of God in our heart.
The Church, through its services, offers opportunities to celebrate such love at the important times of our lives. The community at St Mark’s wishes to affirm a wide range of loving, faithful and committed relationships.
1. Marriage
You may be considering getting married at St Mark’s.
This is a very special time in your lives and one of the clergy will meet you to discuss your plans. Marriage is also a legal matter and there are certain regulations which the church must abide by.
If one or both partners is divorced and the former spouse is still alive, it may still be possible for you to be married at St Mark’s and a member of the clergy will talk this through.
Churches vary in practice over the remarriage of people who are divorced. Whilst the church advocates life long commitment, there is also the need to uphold God’s compassion and forgiveness, as revealed in the life and teachings of Jesus. Therefore for those seeking another marriage following divorce, careful consideration is given to this possibility by the staff who will see you. There may be situations in which a service of dedication and blessing after a civil marriage may be more appropriate.
If you are to be married at St Mark’s, you will meet with one of the clergy on a number of occasions to make plans for the wedding, as well as meeting with other members of the church. We want to do all we can to prepare you for your marriage, even though you may have been living together for some time or have been previously married.
2. Blessings
There are various times in our lives when we might wish to give thanks for a relationship and receive God’s blessing through the ministers of the Church. Anniversaries, the blessing of new rings, the renewal of vows are all such occasions.
Some people have a deeply loving relationship with another person of the same sex. There may be a time when you seek to have this relationship blessed and offered to God in a service of commitment and thanksgiving. A member of the clergy will be able to talk this through with you and possibly help you plan such a service.
3. When relationships become difficult or break down….
When relationships become strained for whatever reason, there is a need to talk with others and often to seek for specific help at a time of pain and hurt. Children and others in the family too may suffer. The church is here to support and help people at the troubled times of life as well as those joyful occasions. It is important not to leave it too late before asking for help.Relationships can often be healed if help is sought in time. Don’t be afraid to speak to a member of staff at St Mark’s; there are those in the church community who can offer advice and help.
Of course you may want to seek professional help and counselling and we can give you some information about this as well.