Weddings & Baptisms

Your guide to understanding our weddings and baptism policies, practices and procedures

Baptisms

What we believe

Presbyterians baptize infants and adults. We sprinkle; there is no full immersion. When Presbyterians speak of baptism as a covenant, we emphasize the multiple commitments involved. First and most basic, there is God’s commitment to us. Then there are the commitments the community of faith makes to us. Finally, and no less important, are the commitments we make to God, to our children, and to the church. When you are baptized as an adult, you are professing your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. When a child or infant is baptized, the adults in their lives are re-committing themselves to following Christ and raising their children in a Christian home.

Arranging for a baptism

Baptisms are performed during a Sunday worship service. We welcome your friends and family members to celebrate with you. Under some circumstances, a guest pastor may officiate. You should contact the pastor and church office for additional details.

Weddings

What we believe

Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges. Our congregation welcomes same-sex marriages.

Scheduling a wedding

The Pastor of the church may practice discretion as to the commitment to perform a wedding and all that is entailed in such a service. Please contact the church office or pastor for scheduling details and fees.

• Usually, the Pastor will meet with the couple for a series of counseling sessions, or ensure that such sessions are attended.
• Guest Pastors may   perform such services in the sanctuary or on church property only at the   invitation of the Pastor.  Such invitations need to be requested before contact with the guest preacher is made.
• Usually, the church organist will be invited to play for the service if organ music is desired.
• Scheduling of services needs to be done with awareness of the worship and fellowship needs   of the congregation. It is recommended that such services are not performed on days on or before congregational celebrations such as Easter, community luncheons, etc.
• It is suggested that the wedding couple attempt to enjoy the already existing beauty of the   sanctuary and/or grounds, enhancing such space with carefully chosen flowers and other decorations. Ribbons and other items may be attached to the ends of  the pews through the use of non-scratching, non- staining, non-damaging methods.
• The use of flower buds (they stain carpet!), the bridal walk cover (people trip on these!) and bird seed (no need to clean the courtyard!) are prohibited. Bubbles may be used outside in the courtyard.
• If rooms are needed for dressing, the wedding party is expected to arrange for the recovery of items immediately after the service.
• The church does not own candelabra stands. Such use is permitted, providing the carpet and other surfaces are well protected.