SERVING THE COMMUNITY OF WEST READING
IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Weddings
If you are planning to get married once the current restrictions are lifted then may we be among the first to congratulate you! Fantastic news! The following may be of some use.
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As part of the legal process, prospective marriage partners will need to go to the local registry office where they will be given a copy of a book called 'Married Life', which is a helpful resource for people thinking about the implications of getting married.
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We will be very pleased to talk with you and answer any questions you may have. You can contact a minister using
minister@emmanuelmethodistreading.org.uk,
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Here are some frequently asked questions that may already be on your mind!
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One of us is divorced. Is that OK?
The Methodist Church is generally willing to marry people who have been divorced, while their previous spouse is still alive, as long as there are no obvious reasons why it would be inappropriate to do so. The local minister will be able to explain the legalities about going to the registrar for a certificate and so on but do feel welcome to chat freely and explore this issue, you will always find a listening ear at Emmanuel.
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Love is patient, Love is kind…
1 Corinthians 13: 4
Does one of us have to be a Methodist?
People wanting to marry in church don't have to be members of the church, but most ministers will ask them why they wish to marry in church. A church marriage is a solemn Christian ceremony, with prayers and Bible readings reflecting Christian understandings of what marriage is about. Whilst people wishing to marry in a Methodist church do not need to be church members, most ministers will look for a genuine desire on the part of a couple to take their marriage seriously along the lines set out in the service. The Marriage Service’s themes of love, hope, faithfulness, sacrifice and trust are at the heart of the Christian Gospel. Discussing what this means in practice will be part of the marriage preparation and among many of the questions and thoughts you may already be having as you and your partner explore what it means to become a married couple.