Parish of Sedlescombe with Whatlington

Services and Events

Services & Events at Sedlescombe with Whatlington Parish Churches

Stained glass window at St John's

Along with our regular communion and family services on Sundays, both churches hold regular weddings, baptisms, funerals and other events.

Our churches are also open every Wednesday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm for prayer or quiet reflection, or simply to visit and explore.

Both church grounds are beautifully kept and rich in history. They are open to enjoy and discover at any time during daylight hours, although care should be taken on paths and the grounds at all times.

On this page we give details of upcoming services and events, as well as information relating to them.

You can expect a warm welcome whenever you come to St John the Baptist church, or St Mary Magdalene, and we hope you'll visit soon.

Events & Services in our Parish

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Christenings and Baptisms

A Christening is the start of your, or your child's, Christian journey.

The baptismal font at St John the Baptist

In our Parish, adults, children and babies can all be Baptised. Services are usually held on a Sunday during the family service, with the regular congregation in attendance to offer and give support.

To request a Baptism, please click here and complete the request form.

If you have questions or need to discuss anything, please get in touch with us using the contact form found here to discuss your requirements in confidence.

Weddings and Blessings in our Parish

A wedding in our parish makes a lifetime of memories

A wedding ceremony at St John the Baptist

Weddings

A wedding in the traditional and historic setting of either St John the Baptist or St Mary Magdelene gives you the chance to make truly lasting memories in a beautiful setting.

Wedding arrangements in either of our churches are supported by a "Weddings Co-ordinator" who works as a link between the Rector, the couple, and the registrar, to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to get married in this church, the law requires that you have a ‘qualifying connection’ with the church. For more details, click here. To discuss getting married in the church or have any questions,please contact the Rector, Rev'd John Hawkins.

Blessings and renewal of vows

A renewal of your wedding vows can take place any time after your wedding day, regardless of whether you had a church wedding or not. It’s a bit like a marriage refresher and is often used on special anniversaries. The Church of England ceremony is called ‘Thanksgiving for marriage’.

Some couples have used it in other ways, for example if they want to have a low key civil wedding, or a civil wedding abroad, but still want a significant church service for family and friends at home. It can be designed to be intimate or grand, or could even be part of one of the church’s usual Sunday services.

If you would like to have your marriage blessed, or hold a renewal of vows ceremony, please call the Rector to discuss.

Funerals and Memorials

Funerals & Memorial services

The loss of someone you know and loved, whether sudden or expected, can leave you with an overwhelming sense of loss and despair. We are here to support you in practical, emotional and spiritual ways.

At such a difficult time, there's so much to think about and so much to organise, and we understand how difficult this can be. But we can help you say your final goodbye in a way that helps bring comfort. A funeral led by a Church of England minister can be held in our church, churchyard, by a graveside, or at a crematorium. The minister will be there to support you every step of the way.

Funerals can be held at St John's or St Mary's for anyone resident in the Parish, those who have regularly worshipped in our Churches, or those who have close family ties to our villages.

While preparing for a funeral or memorial service, you will meet with a minister to discuss all aspects of the service such as readings, tributes, particular music or prayers. Please get in touch with us in confidence if you need any further information.

The peaceful churchyard at St John the Baptist