Life Events
In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind
(John 1.4)
Baptisms, weddings and funerals
Coalburn and Lesmahagow Church can play an essential role in the important events of life in helpful and supportive ways, whether that be for the blessing of your child, your marriage ceremony or to help in times of sadness and sorrow at the loss of a loved one.
The Bible tells us that In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind (John 1.4). That light of Jesus still shines in the world today through His care and love for us, and we, the church, are there to help you where we can.
Baptisms
Weddings
Funerals
Memories
A Celebration to Remember | Weddings and Renewal of Vows
Wherever you are planning to hold your big day, a church or hotel, garden or castle, Morag will be happy to chat to you about your plans.
If you fancy a church wedding, we have two lovely venues that could host your special day.
Coalburn Church is smaller and less formal, modern and bright. Coalburn has no pews so the chairs can be laid out in a way suitable for your plans.
Lesmahagow is a beautiful traditional church setting with a long central aisle, it is larger and can accommodate a guest list of various sizes.
If you would like to chat more about planning for your wedding, contact Morag on 01555 890460 or by email at mgarrett@churchofscotland.org.uk
Marriage Blessing or Renewal of vows
Whether celebrating a special anniversary, a reunion after a separation, overcoming a difficult time as a couple, or just simply ‘because’ – these are all good reasons for the renewal of your vows and recommitment of your marriage through a service of blessing.
You may also want to consider having a marriage blessing to follow a marriage overseas or for different group of guests.
Either of these celebrations, blessing or renewal of vows, can be held in a church or hotel, in a garden or castle, or even in your own home. You can have as many or few guests that make the day special for you.
It may be helpful for you to discuss options with our Minister to decide what you would suit you best, to ensure this day is as special as you would want it to be for you both.
Morag can be contacted on 01555 890460 or by email at mgarrett@churchofscotland.org.uk
Baptism, Christening, Dedication or Blessing
Should I get my child Christened, Baptised, Dedicated or Blessed?
It might seem confusing when you hear family or friends chatting about their decisions for their children when it comes to God’s blessing, some may have chosen to have their children christened, while others opt for a dedication.
If you are considering a special service to ask God’s blessing for your child, or even for yourself, do get in touch to discuss the options.
For starters there’s a brief overview below to give you some information about the meaning of these terms; christening, baptism, dedication, blessing.
Whether you feel this is for you and your family or not, there will always be a place, and a welcome, for you and your child/children in the churches at Coalburn or Lesmahagow.
Christened or Baptised?
The term ‘christened’ is simply the more commonly used name for ‘baptised’, so these two are the same thing. Being christened involves water being sprinkled on your child to welcome them into the family of God during a service of thanksgiving and blessing. In child baptism, the responsibilities are taken by the parents or guardians to raise the children with Christian beliefs.
So, although your child may not understand, or remember, their baptism, as they may not necessarily have come into a personal relationship with Jesus, it is important that one parent, or the child’s guardian, makes promises before God on their child’s behalf.
Dedication or Blessing?
So, what about a dedication or blessing then? When your child is dedicated to God or blessed by God, these are more or less the same type of service with slightly different wording.
One is not better than the other, but is a preference of thoughts for you as the parent or guardian of the young one.
As you bring your child to God for His blessing as you dedicate the little one to Him, it is done with an attitude of thanks and asking God’s continued care and keeping over your child. A service of dedication or blessing for your child does not involve water, as in baptism, it is less formal while at the same time expresses the sincere desire for God to be part of your child’s life until they are old enough to make their own decision for Christ in later years.
This is only a glimpse of what it means to ask God for His blessing on your child or yourself. If you would find it helpful to chat the above options over before deciding what is best for you and your family, please call our Minister, Morag on 01555 890460 or on email at mgarrett@churchofscotland.org.uk
Adult Baptism
Baptism is for everyone who believes in Jesus and has confessed their faith in Him, the Son of God, it is the outward expression of that faith.
When you are baptised, it’s the way we confirm our belief in what Jesus has done for us through the forgiveness of sins, and what He continues to do in our daily life, through His life, death and resurrection. The Bible is clear in that we should ‘believe and be baptised’, so this will be a good option to explore further if you fancy a chat about your own baptism.
If you feel baptism is something you would like to consider, contact Morag on 01555 890460 or email at mgarrett@churchofscotland.org.uk
Funerals and Memorial Services
Arranging a Funeral
When the death of someone close happens, it can be devastating for the family on so many levels, however, we are there to support you with pastoral care and to help with the arrangements for a service that will provide you with the opportunity to say a fitting farewell.
When we find ourselves in the sad position of arranging a funeral, or feeling the weight of grief, it can be overwhelming. While we don’t promise to have all the answers, we trust in a God who does and we do care. So, if you would like someone to talk to, or pray with you, during a time of loss and grief, we would be happy to support you in this time of need.
Working with your chosen Funeral Director, who will be helping you with the professional touches to the practical funeral arrangements, Morag, our Minister, can be contacted to serve bereaved families with the careful attention to the details of the funeral service.
Morag can be contacted on 01555 890460 or by email at mgarrett@churchofscotland.org.uk
Memorial Service
There are occasions when you may want to have a service of memorial for a loved one that has passed away. Such an event could take many forms, from a formal church service to a quiet time of reflection for a small number of people at a suitable location.
The restrictions of late, with the Covid virus implications, have meant that many families and friends haven’t been given the opportunity for a service they may have liked for their loved ones.
If you are considering a memorial service for someone that has passed away, recently, or in the past, please contact our Minister, Morag on 01555 890460 or by email at mgarrett@churchofscotland.org.uk to find out more and discuss your thoughts.
Cherished Memories
Annual service of thanksgiving for those who have lost a loved one in previous years
Quiet and Reflective Time
Annually we hold a service of remembrance with time for quiet reflection. This is prayerfully intended to bring comfort, hope and peace to anyone who has lost a family member, a friend, a colleague or a neighbour in previous years. It is quieter and has a gentler approach to allow time for silent personal prayers and thoughts to be expressed to God.
Normally this service is held on the first Sunday in December, once the date is confirmed the service date and time will be shown on this website.
However, if you have questions, are in the sad position of arranging a funeral, are feeling the weight of grief or would like to discuss coming to this service, please do feel free to contact our Minister, Morag, on 01555 890460.
