Baptism / Christening

Baptism can take place at any age. Parents of children are asked to make vows at a baptismal service. Older children can take a more active part. Adults who have not already been baptised are also welcome at any time.

Baptisms take place during the normal Sunday service of worship.

If you are Church members and/or regular attenders at Worship, you are well on the way to fulfilling your vows and your child will want to follow your example. Your child/children will always be welcome in church. We do not have a separate Sunday School – the services include an all-age talk and we try to provide suitable activities for children during the rest of the service. There are toys, colouring sheets, word-searches, etc. We try to include children more actively on different occasions, for instance they sometimes do the Bible reading or take part in short plays.

If you are not currently a member of the church why not think about joining? The minister would be happy to discuss this with you.

Please ask for a leaflet with more information about baptism.

Blessing

A Blessing can be appropriate at any stage in a child’s life. It keeps you in touch with the church but does not require you to make promises.

The minister is willing to discuss all aspects of faith, fully respecting where you are in your life journey. Many people believe in God without wanting to make a commitment to the church. This may be for a variety of reasons. While we are keen to encourage commitment we want people to do this at the right time for them as individuals. Questions and discussion are always welcome! For you and your child a service of blessing may be the most appropriate option at the present time.

In time you may find yourself more fully part of the life of the church and then you may wish to go forward to make the commitment involved in baptism.

Please ask for a leaflet with more information about blessing.

Wedding

If you are thinking of getting married, congratulations! If you would like to get married in this parish the minister would be happy to discuss the options. For instance, if you are a member of another church you may like to ask your own minister or priest to conduct the service. This is particularly appropriate in St Conan’s which is not a Church of Scotland building but is run by an independent trust.

There is a fee for use of St Conan’s – for details please contact Pat MacLeod 01838 200298.

There is no fee for the Church of Scotland or for the services of the minister. However, a donation to the parish will be much appreciated.

In consultation with the minister, you can decide on the format of your service, but to give you some ideas, our usual Order of Service is as follows:

  • Welcome
  • Hymn
  • Statement about Marriage
  • Prayer
  • Marriage Vows
  • Exchange of Rings
  • Declaration & Blessing
  • Signing of the Register / Schedule
  • Bible Readings
  • Short Address by Minister
  • Prayer
  • Hymn
  • Benediction

If you wish to include appropriate poems or other readings, or a variety of music, that is welcome.

Please ask for a leaflet with more information about weddings.

Funeral

If you have been bereaved and want to discuss funeral arrangements please contact the minister. Services can be made personal to the individual concerned. We want to be as helpful as possible at this difficult time and will be available to support you after as well as before the funeral.

There is no charge for funerals.

Further information

Please email Session Clerk Janet Buchanan innishaelcott@gmail.com