In our history as a parish we have been proud to help people on major spiritual milestones of their lives.
Baptism
Children and adults are very welcome to be baptised. Generally we have a policy of celebrating baptisms during the Sunday Eucharist. This is because baptism is about inviting people into the family of the Church, worldwide and local. Adult baptism includes a period of preparation which is known as catechesis. This means that candidates are introduced to the basics of Christianity and given spiritual guidance.
First Communion
Children above the age of six are welcome to be prepared for Holy Communion. They will be expected to take part in studies to help them undersand and respect what they are doing. When complete the children are admitted to the sacrament. Adults are given Holy Communion straight after baptism.
Confirmation
Adults and older children can be prepared for Confirmation at request. After a period of study and reflection the bishop is invited to come and confirm the candidates. Confirmation as a sacrament is a means by which the Church confirms that God's Holy Spirit is doing something in that person. The sacraments seals and affirms that activity, enbolding them to work for the building of the Kingdom. Where possible adults who are being baptised are also confirmed on the same service or close by.
Weddings
The church is available for weddings and couples are invited to give six months notice. The priest currently seees couples for three sessions of marriage preparation. This involves putting together the service and looking closely at the marriage vows. This is all done in an informal non-judgemental manner.
In all churches in Scotland couples must meet the civil requirements for marriage beforehand. Marriages in hotels and other venues are at the discretion of the diocesan bishop. Where there is divorcee the bishop also makes the final decision for permission.
Unfortunately the hall is not available for wedding receptions.
Funerals
At St Clements we like to make funerals special and take great care in their preparation. We would like to offer families the widest possible range of options within the Christian traditon. Where there is a cremation we would urge families to consider using the church for the main service and then follow with a short commital at the crematorium. Please do not let undertakers pressurise you into thinking that this will incur invonvenience or somekind of additional fee.
The hall is also available for the reception afterwards if required.
The Myth of Fees
The church has no fees. Some people will tell you that doing something in church will be more expensive. Please be reasurred that there is no bill at then end of this. The only exception to the rule is that at a wedding or funeral we ask that out of courtsey you give something to an organist. Likewise if you use the hall for a funeral or baptismal reception then please consider making a donation to the church.
If you wish to make a donation then you are more than welcome. Cheques for St Clements Church should be sent to The Treasurer, Mrs Nancy Wilson, 27 Hilton Drive, Aberdeen. The church runs on a very tight budget and does exceptional work in an area of considerable deprivation.