The Services We Provide

part of our role in the comunity
Union Jack flies

Services we provide

There are many valuable services that SVB provides within the community. Apart from civic functions that use the parish church of St John’s, Chipping Sodbury, there are – more-especially the services to families on account of baptism, confirmation, bereavement and weddings. It is our intent to provide for any of these a welcoming, family environment which is both understanding and hospitable. In addition we are now extending our services by becoming more user-friendly on line – hence this new website.   Further Information at http://churchofengland.org/weddings-baptisms-funerals.aspx  

Baptisms

Also referred to as christening, infant baptism is both a meaningful and very memorable event in family life. It provides opportunity for a newborn – or older – to be welcomed into the family of the church in the presence of family and godparents. Read our helpful leaflet Your Child’s Baptism which should answer all the basic questions you may have.

Confirmation

It is expected that one day, each of those who have been baptised, will take upon themselves the promises made on their behalf by godparents and parents. This is known as confirmation. Candidates expressing a desire for confirmation are expected to attend preparation classes and show evidence in their lives of their commitment to God and his Word. We would be very happy to hear from any of those who share this conviction and wish to be confirmed by the Bishop at an appropriate time.

Life Events

Weddings are a joyful occasion and the church provides a very attractive venue. Our staff are also available for meeting with couples preparing for marriage. Wherever and whenever you choose to get married, you make a public declaration of life-long commitment to love each other faithfully and take on a whole new legal status as husband and wife It is a considerable commitment to make. Whether you choose to marry in a civil venue, or in a religious context of any faith, around 85% of married couples agree: marriage is the most serious decision of your life! The Church of England thoroughly believes in marriage for the well-being of individuals and society. If you have found ‘the one’, and you are committed to each other in every respect, there is so much more adventure ahead. We would be thrilled to be part of that adventure too. See a very helpful website to help you plan and prepare for your wedding. As well as weddings, the church offers Marriage Preparation sessions; Services of Blessing after a marriage that’s taken place abroad; weddings combined with the Christening of your baby/child; and services of renewal of marriage vows. We would also be very happy to discuss Baptisms (or Christenings). A very helpful website covers this topic well and provides background information you will find helpful. jane@svbcofe.org.uk or Michelle, our Parish Administrator on 01454 325160. Or simply Contact Us. We look forward to meeting you! — We are also able to help with funerals and families coping with bereavement. Alternatively we can provide a service of thanksgiving in memory of the deceased as we rejoice in a life that deserves due recognition and gratitude. Do Contact Us if you need to speak with someone or phone the Parish Administrator on 01454 325160.
caring for one another

Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Team offer both practical and prayer support to those in any sort of need in the Sodbury Vale Benefice. They take Communion and visit the housebound, run Tea ‘n Chat, a social afternoon on the last Tuesday afternoon in the month in the Church Centre, hold an annual Baptism fun day, are involved in the Prayer Ministry Team and also the All Souls Service.

Members also volunteer at the Food Bank and are Street Pastors. There is also a new Chaplaincy service about to begin in Chipping Sodbury which we hope to be part of.

Volunteers are willing to offer transport to shops and hospital for those people with mobility problems.

The group is always willing to welcome new members and anyone who wishes to find out more, or wishes to receive a visit, please contact the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Linda Hurst on 01454 319183 or email Lindashurst@icloud.com