Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals & Pastoral Services
Life Events at St John's, Upper Norwood
At St John's, Upper Norwood, we are here for you in life’s most important moments, joyful, solemn, and everything in between. Whether you're exploring baptism or christening, planning your wedding, arranging a funeral, seeking pastoral care, or wondering where to begin, our clergy and staff are ready to guide and support you.
Explore the sections below to learn more about each life event.
Baptisms
& Christenings
Welcoming new life into God’s family.
We offer baptisms for babies and children, as well as adult baptism and confirmation preparation. You may be a regular worshipper or entirely new to church—either way, we are delighted to explore baptism with you.
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Baptism is a sacred Christian tradition, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith. It’s sometimes also called a Christening, especially for babies.
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We welcome anyone who wishes to be baptised, or to have their children baptised, regardless of where they live or whether they attend the church.
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There is no charge for baptisms or christenings.
Weddings at St John’s
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Yes! You’re welcome to marry here if you or your partner live in the parish, have a qualifying connection, or have been worshipping with us regularly for at least six months.
You don’t need to be a regular churchgoer to get married at St John’s, just meet one of those criteria. If you're unsure, we're always happy to talk through the options with you.
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We offer guidance through every step, including the service, music, flowers, and marriage preparation.
Celebrate your marriage in a place filled with love, history, and prayer.
A church wedding is a deeply meaningful way to begin your life together. At St John’s, your ceremony is set within the beauty of our historic church, with prayers, blessings, and vows that have united couples for generations.
Funerals
& Memorial Services
Supporting you with compassion in times of loss.
A Christian funeral offers a chance to grieve, give thanks, and commend your loved one into God’s care. Whether the service is held at St John’s, a crematorium, or another location, our clergy are here to support you and your family.
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No. Anyone can have a funeral at St John’s, regardless of church attendance or background.
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Yes. We can lead services in the church, at the crematorium, or at the graveside.
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Speak with your funeral director, who can contact us on your behalf; or reach out directly.
I Need a Vicar!
We are also here for other significant moments in life:
Confirmation – for those wishing to confirm their baptismal vows and deepen their commitment to Christian faith.
Confession and Reconciliation – for those seeking healing, forgiveness, and a fresh start.
Prayers and Blessings – including house blessings, healing prayers, and thanksgiving for recovery.
Anointing of the Sick – for spiritual comfort during illness or before surgery.
Not sure what you need, but feel like you need to talk to someone? That’s okay too.
Our clergy are here to listen, pray with you, and support you in any way we can.
Contact Us
To speak with someone about any of the life events above, please contact our Parish Office:
📞 Phone: 020 8771 6686
📧 Email: office@sjun.org.uk
📍 Location: St John’s, Upper Norwood, Sylvan Road, London SE19 2RX
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8.45 AM –5:30 PM.
Or use our Contact Form to make an enquiry.