Warkworth C of E Primary SchoolAs a church of England aided school we share a particularly close connection with our primary school in Warkworth. The vicar is ex-officio on the governing body and the PCC appoints Foundation Governors who support the school in maintaining it's Christian ethos. Annual services are led by the children in St Lawrence's church and the vicar leads one of the daily acts of worship each week in school. The Open the Book team encourage the children to engage with Bible stories through creative retelling of well known stories each half-termThe schools vision is # Strive together as one (Philippians 1:27) .Our shared vision is for everyone to ‘motivate one another’ and become agents of change ‘through acts of love and good works’. ‘And let us not neglect meeting together’ (Hebrews 10 24-25) as our community is central to enabling everyone to thrive and achieve their God given potential.You can find out more about the school on their website here.Abbeyfield House and The GrangeAbbeyfield House is an assisted living facility at the Old Rectory opposite the church. There is a weekly service of Evening Prayer led by members of the Ministry Team and residents are supported in attending services in the church.You can find out more about Abbeyfield Warkworth on their website here.Residents at The Grange Nursing Home at the top of the village are supported with a monthly service of Holy Communion and our young organ scholar has put together a playlist of favourite hymns which can be played via their TV for the occasional sing along. You can find out more about The Grange Warkworth on their website here.
The Christening (or Baptism) of a child is always a very joyful occasion. You can find out much more about Baptism here.Whilst it is always good to have the opportunity to welcome a child into the church family at the regular Sunday service we appreciate that 9am on a Sunday morning won't work for everyone, especially if family and friends are traveling to join you. We will work with you to find the time that works best in your situation.Please complete the Baptism application form which you can find here.Older children and adults are normally Confirmed following their Baptism as they have made the Baptismal promises for themselves. In this special service the Bishop recognizes the newly Baptized as part of the church family.What is it all about?Asking to have a child christened of baptized (another name for the same occasion) demonstrates that you want God to have a real influence in the child’s life – not just on Christening Day, but for ever. At Baptism, God pours his Spirit into us (demonstrated by the ‘washing’ with water)and we become truly his (symbolized by being ‘signed’ with a cross).So the person being christened becomes Christ’s and a member of Christ’s family, the Church. Being part of the church and sharing in its worship, learning and service over many years means that we grow in understanding about what it means to be a Christian and are strengthened in our witness and service. What we hope for is to be close to God – now and in Heaven, once this earthly life is over.How can I arrange this?Contact the Vicar, The Reverend Helen O’Sullivan (01665 712002) to talk things through in plenty of time in advance. Normally you must live within the parish of Shilbottle, or attend worship here regularly or have had some contact with the church in the past. We will invite you to come and worship with us, invite you and the godparents to a preparation session and have given you options of when the service can take place.A child being christened, usually has godparents – perhaps up to three, but at least one. Godparents have themselves to have been baptized.What happens after the service?We hope that you will continue to bring your children to worship with us and play a full part as members of the Church family.We can baptize people of any age, though by the age of 12 on-wards, we’d expect this to be followed by Confirmation, usually at the same ceremony.For further information about Baptism, see the Church of England’s website – www.churchofengland.christenings.orgWe will do our best to make this a joyful and memorable day for you and your family and friends!
PCCThis section is taken from the CofE Key Roles and Responsibilities of Church Office Holders and Bodies Practice GuidanceThe PCC is the main decision maker of a parish. Its members are clergy, churchwardens and others elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) of the parish. Its powers and duties are defined by legislation and can principally be found in the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956.It has the responsibility, along with the incumbent to promote the mission of God in its parish.Legally, the PCC is responsible for the finances of the parish. It also has ultimate responsibility for the care and maintenance of all church buildings and their contents. Although these responsibilities are executed by the churchwardens, all PCC members must share in the oversight. It has a voice in the forms of Service used by the church and may make representations to the bishop on matters that affect the welfare of the parish.All PCCs are charities, most do not the need to register with the Charity Commission, except those with an annual income of more than £100,000. Therefore, every member of a PCC is also a charity trustee. If a PCC is a charity it must comply with the Charity Commission guidance and legislation in relation to charities.Charitable status certificateDownload certificate (top right)SafeguardingIntroductionThe PCC of St Lawrence have adopted The House of Bishops 'Promoting a Safer Church: Safeguarding Policy Statement. Details of this can be found on Promoting a Safer Church - The Church of England.More details can be found on the Diocese of Newcastle website safeguarding sectionIf you have concernsIf you have any concerns personally or about another individual there is very helpful guidance in the following document 'You will be listened to'If you have concerns, here are details of people you can contact for help:Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser : Carol ButlerTel : 07825167016 Email : c.butler@newcastle.anglican.orgBenefice Priest : Helen O'SullivanTel : 01665712002 Email : aswvicarage@gmail.comParish Safeguarding Officer : Ann PopayTel : Email : safeguarding.stlawrence@gmail.comParish Policy DocumentsYou can find copies of the Parish Safeguarding Policy, download certificate (top right)GDPR - Data ProtectionData Protection Policy and Data Privacy Notice for St Lawrence approved by the PCC on 24th June 2020Download certificate (top right)
What makes a Christian marriage distinctive are vows that couples make, promising a depth of relationship that puts the other’s needs before our own and inviting the love of God to support and uphold a couple in their commitment to one another. Please make contact to complete the initial forms and talk about provisional dates and times. There is rarely any problem about having a service at a date and time to suit you. The priest who will take your service will explain other legal requirements (eg the calling of ‘banns’); and what the Church part of the day will cost (usually a minuscule amount compared with what other plans for the day might involve). The officiating priest will arrange for you to meet with him/her at intervals, to clarify arrangements and to talk some more together about your hopes and expectations for your marriage.Shortly before the Wedding Day, there will be a rehearsal for all those involved in the service, designed to put everyone at ease prepare you to experience fully the deep significance of the ceremony itself.St Lawrence Church is for everyone within the community. We are always glad to receive enquiries from those interested in getting married at St Lawrence. The law allows you to be married here if at least one of you: Is resident in the parish Has been regular in worship over at least six months Was baptized or confirmed hereHas ever lived in the parish for six months or moreHas at any time, regularly attended worship here for six months or moreIf one of your parents has lived for six months or more in your lifetime or has regularly attended worshipIf your parents or grandparents were baptized or married here You have been granted a special license, issued only through the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Faculty Office. We can provide appropriate information.If you have been married before and divorcedWe will explore with you whether it would be appropriate for you to marry each other in a Christian ceremony. A decision is made based on three areas of enquiry:Whether there is now insight into what caused earlier relationships to founder, and a capacity to ‘be different’ Whether continuing responsibilities to children or other dependents are being properly metThese area have to be explored together in confidence before other arrangements can be made.Civil Partnerships and same-sex marriagesThe law does not currently allow for civil partnerships or same-sex marriages to take place in Church of England buildings. However, that doesn't mean we don't want to support you or celebrate with you. Please do get in touch, we are an inclusive church and all are welcome whatever their personal circumstances.For further information and advice see https://www.yourchurchwedding.org/
