In Woodham Walter there are times when contact with the local church becomes important even if not part of the regular church family. These are known as ‘Life Events’ and include the baptism of a child or adult, a marriage or marriage blessing, and a funeral for a family member or friend.

There is also the offer of help in times of  need, through practical support, through having  a friendly listening ear or by responding to a request for prayer.

Baptisms

If you would like to have your child baptised, please contact the Priest-in-Charge, Julie Willmot.

If you live outside our parish and don’t come to St Michael’s, please contact your local vicar first.

Baptism services usually happen on a date agreed between the Church and the Parents. There is no prescribed fee, but a donation to the church may be given.

More information on christenings/baptism can be found on the Church of England website, https://www.churchofengland.org/life-events/christenings

Weddings

We will be very happy to hear from you if you wish to get married in our church.

You don’t have to be a church attender to legally marry in your local parish church. 

You can marry there if any of the following apply to one of you:

• you were baptised or prepared for confirmation in the parish
• you have ever lived in the parish for six months or more
• you have at any time regularly attended public worship in the parish for six months or more
• one of your parents has lived in the parish for six months or more during your lifetime
• one of your parents has regularly attended public worship there for six months or more during your lifetime
• your parents or grandparents were married in the parish

Even if none of these apply, all is not lost as you can gain the necessary legal qualifying connection through attending church at least once per month, for a period of 6 months.

Contact Rev’d Julie if you or someone you know would like more information.

Funerals

Those living within the Parish of St Michael’s have a right to be buried in the Churchyard.

In the event of a funeral the Priest-in-Charge will usually be contacted directly by your chosen Funeral Director, so please contact them first.

A suitable time & date will be agreed and the member of the ministry team will contact you to discuss the details for either a crematorium or church service, an interment or burial of ashes in the dedicated memorial area.

If you would like to speak to the Priest-in-Charge after any service first, please call on 07413 416226

And we are always here to listen and to pray if that is what you would like.

PRIEST-in-CHARGE:

Rev’d Julie Willmot

Telephone: 07413 416226

email: revjuliewillmot@gmail.com

The benefice comprises the rural villages of Woodham Walter, Woodham Mortimer with Hazeleigh and Purleigh, near Maldon in Essex.