Life Passages
Baptism
Formally, a life in the Christian faith finds its entry point at the moment of baptism. For many, this has happened in infancy. It is a sacrament (from the Latin word for mystery), whereby we participate in the baptism of Jesus. Baptism is initiation into what Scripture refers to as the Body of Christ (the church). It’s about establishing a relationship.
But still, why we are baptized is seldom clear to most. Many see baptism as the rite of faith that says God has welcomed us into the divine family and that all are welcome. It is a representation of our relationship with God initiated through Christ, a relationship that is lived out in the bonds of the community that we call the church. This means baptism is not a private event, but an occasion that moves one beyond the self into a greater circle of a life shared with others.
It is expected that candidates for baptism (or Parents) will meet with the minister and attend worship prior to the day of baptism. Please feel welcome to contact the minister to arrange a meeting.
Weddings
We at St. Paul’s United Church congratulate those who decide to enter into marriage. The United Church of Canada affirms that marriage is a:
“Gift of God through which Christians make a covenant with one another and with God. In marriage we offer one another the promise of lifelong companionship, rich expression of human affections and sexuality, and nurture for children.”
In the United Church of Canada, covenants of marriage and life partnership are part of the worship life of the community of faith. When planning for a wedding couples are encouraged to contact the church office as soon as possible. Weddings are planned in consultation and under the authority of the presiding minister.
Funerals
The death of a loved one is a time to recall the miracle of life, to give thanks for the life of the deceased, and to mourn the loss. The Bible reflects many emotional responses to the reality of grief, including anger, denial, guilt, lament, resignation, thanksgiving, and trust.
Empowered by Christ’s promise of resurrection, the Christian church faces the event of death, consoles the bereaved, remembers the life of the deceased, and offers thanks to God. In all situations the reality of loss needs to be acknowledged. In a Christian funeral the promise of hope is to be proclaimed: “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.”
The service may be called “Funeral,” “Memorial Service,” or “Service of Remembrance and Celebration.” Elements essential to the service are scripture, prayers, and commendation of the departed. Rituals of remembrance, such as bringing or placing cut flowers, providing a musical selection; or specific tasks within the service, such as reading scripture, distributing the communion bread or carrying the urn of ashes, can give family members the opportunity to express their grief through simple actions.