The Naming Service
Every successful individual knows that his or her achievement depends on a community of persons working together.
The Naming Service
Parents who consider the philosophy of life lived by the Seven Principles to be something to aim at would find the Naming ceremony inspiring, as would an adult having a Naming. The Service content can be tailored to suit preferences including hymns, songs, music and a reading. The language is respectful but non ‘religious.’ Like the naming ceremonies of other religions, there is a ritual welcome for the individual being named, a name is given and sponsors who commit to supporting spiritual growth in the individual
A Spiritualist Naming Service uses flowers to welcome a child into its’ family and the family of mankind to emphasize that we and all living things are part of God’s creation. Created with love, that love enables us to learn and grow spiritually. It is natural. Parents, human or animal form a love bond with their offspring and try to guide them in their formative years or even longer.
Spiritualists do not use water to cleanse a child from the taint of a sin of ancestral origin because we believe a child is born innocent and although an older child might not be entirely innocent, it would not be splashed with water in a Spiritualist ceremony. (nor would an adult who wanted a Naming.)
The Name given in the service comes from the Spirit world through the mediumship of the Minister or Officiant and is often a source of pride in later life. It does not mean that the new name replaces others given by the parents at an earlier stage, although the Named individual may decide for him/herself to use it at some stage in life.
All friends and family present at the ceremony are asked to be spiritual sponsors for the person being named although parents can ask for special sponsors (usually two) for their child. The sponsors make a personal commitment to offer spiritual support to the child and family or to the adult being named.
Blessing Services
SNU Ministers and Officiants can perform Blessing Services for Marriages from the brand new Registry Office Wedding to the celebration of a marriage that has lasted for decades and all those in between where the couple want to mark a significant anniversary or have a special reason to reaffirm their vows.
There is as well a blessing ceremony for couples who have not married, but who want to pledge themselves to each other in the same way as a married couple.
A blessing service can be highly personalized, the Minister or Officiant will help you formulate your service beyond the foundation of the suggested ceremony to make it a memorable and meaningful occasion. You can choose your own vows, music, songs and readings and make the ceremony truly your own, in the presence of friends and family or just a few people. The service can be held in a church, in your own home or in hospital or another venue, at a time that suits you.
Spiritualist Funeral Services
You don’t want a funeral service that is all doom and gloom because you will feel bad enough anyway, so consider a Spiritualist Service if you have to arrange a funeral service for a deceased loved one (unless you think it might upset him or her)
If you’re planning your own future funeral the Spiritualists’ National Union have a form that can help you to make your wishes clear.
A Spiritualist Funeral Service has a similar format to that of an orthodox church, but a completely different approach. It is an occasion when tributes are paid to the deceased’s life and personality but it is made clear that it is only the death of the physical body and life continues in another sphere of existence: loved ones who have passed before will have greeted him, as they will greet you when it is your time to pass.
The Funeral can be made more meaningful by choice of music and/or readings, most SNU Ministers and Officiants would fit in with your, or the deceased’s wishes. The service does not use orthodox ‘religious’ language but the ceremony is conducted with dignity and respect nonetheless.
A Personalised Scattering or Burial of ashes can be conducted, which could include a further brief tribute, a reading and prayers, perhaps in a place special to the deceased, tho’ permission must always be sought in a public place or cemetery.
Memorial Service
SNU Ministers and Officiants can also conduct a memorial service when required. He/she would be willing to see you and discuss your wishes with no commitment on either side for any of the
Wedding services
Are you looking for a non- traditional church wedding in a church setting? All legally required vows are included in a Spiritualist wedding service, with prayers acknowledging God’s part in the proceedings as well as the presence of friends and family from the Spirit World. The solemnity of the occasion and its’ life-long implications for the marrying couple are made just as clear as in an orthodox church even if the language is different. They are just as married.
Arranging a marriage in a Spiritualist church has some similarities with weddings anywhere else:-
- Venue: In a Spiritualist church you need to ask the church committee for permission to use the church and also for the person you want to officiate to be able to do so in the church.
- 2. Date: Agree a date and time with the church committee and with your chosen officiant.
- Banns: You need to complete the legal arrangements at the Registry Office to get the Banns posted. Also, because you have chosen a Spiritualist church for your wedding, you must book a Registrar for the date required.
- When date, time and place have been arranged you will need to discuss with the person taking
the service what you would like to have in the ceremony: hymns and/or music or any extra personal vows you might wish to make. - If you need access to the church for flower arrangements or any other requests, you must contact the committee.
- Costs for which you are responsible:
· All fees payable to the Registrar & Registry Office.
· The Church fee for use of the premises.
· The Minister’s or Officiant’s expenses.
The wedding day is only the beginning of your marriage, which we hope will be a long and happy one
SNU Ministers and Officiants can perform Blessing Services for Marriages from the brand new Registry Office Wedding to the celebration of a marriage that has lasted for decades and all those in between where the couple want to mark a significant anniversary or have a special reason to reaffirm their vows.
1.300
Community Members
