Baptisms, blessings, weddings and funerals

For further information about baptisms, blessings, weddings and funerals in Hull or the East Riding of Yorkshire please contact our minister, the Revd Dr Simon Cross by email or on 07852 500 501.  

When you are getting in touch please be ready to say which church or community you wish the ceremony to take place in (St Ninian's & St Andrew's in Hull, Zion in Cottingham, or Christ Church in Swanland). 

The Church has long played a role in the life of our communities by offering 'rites of passage' ceremonies. These services mark some of the most important parts of our lives. 

Baptism

Some people choose to be baptised as young people or adults, this is a way of marking a choice to become part of the church. This ceremony involves a symbolic ritual washing. 

Others prefer to have a baby or young child baptised as a way of demonstrating their desire to raise them within the church. This ritual is sometimes called 'Christening'. 

We only baptise people once. If you've already been baptised, or Christened, as an infant, you don't need to be baptised again. 

Blessing

Some people prefer to ask for a blessing for their child, rather than a Christening. They might do this is they aren't able to make promises to bring up their child in any particular faith, or if they want them to make up their own minds when they are older. 

A person who has received a 'blessing' as a child can be baptised when they are older if they choose to. 

Funerals

It is our enormous privilege to be able to accompany the bereaved and to celebrate the life of someone who has died with honesty and respect.

If you wish to have a funeral in one of our churches, or if you wish our minister to conduct a service at a local crematorium please contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you to personalise the ceremony in a way that celebrates the life and personality of your loved one.

Weddings

All three churches are registered to carry out weddings. We ask all prospective couples to meet with the minister in advance to discuss marriage. It is necessary to attend the register office in advance of the service to complete the legal requirements of marriage.

St Ninian's and St Andrew's is also registered for marriages of same-sex couples.

Wedding/partnership blessings

If you have already been legally married or been through a civil partnership ceremony and would like to have a service of blessing to which you can invite friends and family, then get in touch.