Family Matters

Baptism (Christening) of Children
Baptisms usually take place in a special service at 12.00 noon on the fourth Sunday of the month by arrangement. This family-friendly service lasts no more than 40 minutes and involves up to three families each time. Two hymns are included and the service is attended by members of the congregation who welcome the newly baptised. As a first step, please contact the Rev James McKeran or the Parish Office to book the date.
Each child will need at least two Godparents. Traditionally this is two women and one man for a girl and two men and one woman for a boy. The Godparents must be baptised and as many as possible of them confirmed.

Baptism of Adults
An adult would usually be baptised and confirmed at the same time after attending an enquiry course or other preparatory sessions. Please speak to the Rev James McKeran or the Parish Office to discuss your own requirements.

Confirmation
Any baptised person over the age of 11 is welcome to be confirmed. Attending an Enquiry Group is the usual way to prepare for this. A young people's enquiry group also available. These small groups are fixed at times to suit those involved.

Weddings
Contact the Rev James McKeran or the Parish Office to make your personal arrangements. Subject to eligibility, if either of the couple has their home in the parish then the wedding can take place at All Saints. Banns of Marriage will be read for three consecutive weeks in this parish and if relevant, the parish where the other partner lives. For couples not having their home in the parish, special arrangements can be made if they fulfil the criteria laid down by the Church of England. Once the date is fixed, at least three meetings will be arranged with one or other of the officiating ministers.

Funerals
The churchyard is still available for burials for those who were resident in the parish when they died or have strong connections with All Saints Church, and our ministry team are happy to conduct funerals at the church or crematorium. Ashes may be interred in the dedicated ashes plots within the churchyard. First point of contact for funerals is usually the undertaker who will discuss possible dates with the minister concerned. Contact the Rev James McKeran or the Parish Office or undertaker for interment of ashes.

Special Provision for Children
We are a child-friendly church and welcome children at all our services. There is a Children's Corner with quiet toys available at the back of church. There is a vestry nearby where small children can retreat if they want to play more robustly.

Little Saints
Every Friday from 9am - 10.30, including school holidays. Tea and toast, coffee and chat with plenty of toys for small children. A group for pre-school children and their carer, parent, child minder or grandparents, all are welcome in church every Friday. The session ends with action songs and sometimes a story. Please click here for more details.

Young Saints Sunday - term time from 9.30 am in the Jubilee Hall
Children meet in two age groups, 3½ -7 and 7-11. The children all come into church from the Communion onwards. Please click here for more details.

All Saints Together - First Sunday of the month
An informal sung Communion Service for all ages lasting about 45 minutes.

Junior Choir
Children age 7+ are welcome to join the choir - see the Music Page for details.

Chandler Church of England School
is a Voluntary Aided Junior School with a three - form entry and close links to our church. There is a Communion service at the end of each term held either in school or in All Saints church. The school serves this parish and the parish of St. John's Milford.

Witley Church of England Infant School
is a Controlled School opposite the church. Built in 1836, Witley also has close links with the church. This is a small local school with a single form entry and serves just this parish.