The Church of Scotland plays an essential role in providing worship and spiritual guidance for key life events, from child blessings and baptisms to marriage and funerals.

Baptism

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognised by the Church of Scotland, the other being the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  In the baptismal service those adults responsible for the care of a child profess their own faith and promise to give the child a Christian upbringing.  In the case of adult baptism the person himself or herself makes the appropriate promises.

Baptism is normally administered at Sunday worship in front of the congregation. This emphasises the nature of the sacrament as incorporation into the body of Christ and the life of the Church.

The Thanksgiving and Blessing of a Child

Since 2003, the Church of Scotland has provided orders for the thanksgiving for, and blessing of, a child. The blessing ceremony takes place at morning worship following the same pattern as that for Baptism, except the wording and promises are different, and no water is used. Nothing is required of the parents in either commitment or belief.

Those wishing to give thought to whether a Baptism or a Blessing is most appropriate for their child should contact the minister, who will discuss with them the wording, responsibilities and commitment involved.

Christian marriage

Ministers of the Church of Scotland are authorised to perform marriages. The Church does not regard marriage as a sacrament and ministers are free to marry people who are not members of the Church of Scotland. However, if neither of the couple is a member of the Church, the first approach should be to minister of the parish in which one or other of them resides.

You can find out more on our Weddings Page

Blessing of a civil marriage

Ministers of the Church of Scotland can also conduct blessing ceremonies for civil marriages (those which were legally conducted by a registrar and not in a church). The couple seeking a blessing on their marriage stand together at the front of the church, and may be attended by friends.

Funeral services

Through its parish system and territorial ministry the Church of Scotland seeks to serve all the people of Scotland and not just the membership of the Church. Nobody in the situation of bereavement should hesitate to seek the services of the parish minister, either directly or through the undertaker.

How to arrange one of these services

To arrange or discuss any of the above services please contact the minister, Rev MaryAnn Rennie directly.

Rev. MaryAnn R Rennie, BD, MTh.
The Abbey Church of Dunfermline
Dunfermline
KY12 7PE
Tel: 01383 727311

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