Marriage is a gift of God in creation through which husband and wife may know the grace of God.
So begins the “Preface” at the start of the Church of England Marriage Service. The rest of it makes excellent reading too; there’s a copy here if you would like to check it out right now. The point is simple; God made marriage, and He made it for a reason – therefore marriage matters. This means that we who enter into marriage should make every effort to treat our marriages with the utmost respect. This is clearly serious stuff, but it doesn’t mean our marriages have to be serious; we should enjoy the blessings God gives us through them.
Our Marriage Matters programme is primarily for couples who are approaching their wedding day and making plans, not only for a big celebration, but for a life together. In the church, we firmly believe that Marriage Matters, and would be pleased to offer any support we can for all couples – from those considering marriage to those who have passed their diamond wedding anniversary. Sometimes people wish to renew their vows or celebrate key anniversaries with a special service in church. Please contact us if you would like to discuss ways in which we can support you in your marriage.
From This Moment On
Our programme comprises of four extended conversations between the couple and the Rector, usually in the couple’s home. These conversations cover:
- detailed plans for the wedding service, including all the different choices that the couples may exercise,
- key aspects of the marriage relationship, including the issues that most commonly lead to challenges and stress, and
- the Bible’s teaching about marriage and the love of God and how these are relevant to the couple as they embark on this new stage of their life’s journey together.
A key purpose of the programme is to give the couples space to think about some of the important issues associated with marriage which might otherwise be put off until “another time when we’re less busy,” (i.e. never!). To this end, in between sessions, the couple are given homework! This is the opportunity for them to reflect alone and together on what they have discussed and on the kind of husband or wife that they expect to be. Each subsequent session begins with a recap of those conversations and any questions that have arisen from them.
The Rector is always ready to answer any questions and offer general guidance. Couples in the past have greatly appreciated the opportunity to take time reflecting on how the wedding service not only marks the beginning of the marriage but, set in the context of the worship of the God who gave us marriage, celebrates and forms the foundation of their ongoing relationship. Many, even those who have lived together for some years before “tying the knot,” have commented that our Marriage Matters programme allowed them to address some questions which they had never got round to discussing.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you.