SPECIAL SERVICES
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Baptisms
Baptism is for those adults and older children who have made a commitment to Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Baptism is also for infants and younger children of parents who intend to raise their children to serve Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Those who intend to be baptized need to attend worship regularly. If you or your child is ready for baptism, please contact the clergy at the church office.
When We Baptize
We baptize on the four traditional Christian feast days of the Church Year: Baptism of our Lord (the Sunday after Epiphany), Easter Vigil, Pentecost Sunday, and All Saints’ Sunday. We also baptize on a Sunday in early August. Please consult the church calendar for exact dates for this year.
What is baptism?
1. Baptism is a Burial
(3) Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4).a
2. Baptism is a Command
(18) Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20).
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3. Baptism is the Mark of the Covenant
In Old Testament times circumcision was the outward and visible mark of the covenant.
11You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you (Genesis 17:11).
In New Testament times baptism is the outward and visible mark of the covenant.
4. Baptism is a Tattoo
St. Augustine of Hippo (Northern Africa), described baptism as an invisible tattoo given to us by Christ. Jesus Christ is claiming us as his.
5. Baptism is a Sacrament
The word sacrament, comes from the Latin word sacramentum. "Sacramentum" comes from the Greek word mysterium. The sacraments are mysteries.
Weddings
Christian marriage is a sacramental event. Marriage “signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and the Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.” (Book of Common Prayer, 423) Marriage is uniquely Christian when a man and woman truly seek God’s blessing on their wedding day and throughout their married life. Couples seeking marriage in the Church need to be attending Church.
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For a complete copy of of our Weddings at Faith booklet, including wedding policies, readings, and suggested music, click here.
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For a Wedding Information Form, click here.
Funerals
A funeral for a Christian is both sad and joyous. We who are left behind will greatly miss our loved one, but at the same time we celebrate their eternal life in heaven, where they are in the presence of God, where, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
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Funerals at Faith celebrate the eternal life of the Christian who has died. Bible passages are read, worship songs may be sung, and Christian testimony may be offered. Our funeral services are from the Book of Common Prayer. If your loved one has died, please contact the clergy at Faith. Some of our funerals are on Facebook Live for those unable to attend.
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For those who would like to plan their funeral in advance, please download the Funeral Planning Sheet and forward the completed form to the church office.
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If you would like your loved one's ashes interred in our Memorial Garden, please download a copy of our Information Form.
Confirmation
Every spring we hold a special Confirmation service celebrated by our Bishop for those new members who decide to attend Confirmation classes and those desiring to reaffirm their Faith. We have a special fellowship meal following to honor those being confirmed and celebrate the visit of the Bishop. Please check our calendar for the date.
House Blessings
A house blessing is a time for friends and family to gather together to seek God’s blessing and protection upon their home. Prayers are offered throughout the house and Holy Scripture is read. If you would like to schedule a House Blessing, please contact the clergy at the church office.
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Sample Prayer
Let the mighty power of the Holy God be present in this place to banish from it every unclean spirit, to cleanse it from every residue of evil, and to make it a secure habitation for those who dwell in it; in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
Why Reconciliation of a Penitent?
The Reconciliation of a Penitent (often called Confession) is one of the five Sacramental Rites of the Church. Holy Scripture commends us to “call the elders of the church” (the ordained), then to, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). As World War II pastor and martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, once said, “A man who confesses his sins in the presence of a brother knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other person. As long as I am by myself in the confession of my sins everything remains in the dark, but in the presence of a brother the sin has to be brought to the light” (Celebration of Disciple 148).
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Preparing by an Examination of Conscience
First Corinthians chapter 11 reminds a Christian to “examine himself” before receiving the Lord’s Supper. Self examination, sometimes called an Examination of Conscience, is taking time for the Holy Spirit to bring to mind sins which need to be confessed. Throughout the ages, many have found the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) to be a helpful aid in self examination. As the Holy Spirit exposes your sins, it is best to write them down. Bring your list for your confession, and then destroy it afterward.
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What to Expect
You will meet with the priest privately and use the Reconciliation of a Penitent service in the Book of Common Prayer. The priest will compassionately hear your confession and pray for you. He will not think less of you, but see you as a fellow sinner in need of God’s forgiveness. He will pronounce an absolution, reminding you that “The Lord has put away all yours sins.” He will tell you to “Go in peace, and pray for me, a sinner.” The priest will not repeat your confession to anyone else, not even you.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday begins the 40 day season of Lent, a season of “self-examination and repentance,” which precedes Easter. The Ash Wednesday service includes the imposition of ashes, reminding us of our mortality and need to turn to the Lord. We have noon and evening services available, check the church calendar for date and times.
Maundy Thursday
The Maundy Thursday service is in remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper with His Apostles and how He washed their feet, giving us an example to follow. Holy Communion and Foot Washing are available for those who would like to participate. Our Maundy Thursday service is at 7:00 p.m. during Holy Week, three days before Easter Sunday. Check the church calendar for date and times.
Good Friday
The Good Friday service is in remembrance of Jesus’ crucifixion. We observe Good Friday with a special 7:00 p.m. service, followed by solemnly walking the Stations of the Cross (outside with flashlights, weather permitting). Good Friday is during Holy Week, two days before Easter Sunday. Check the church calendar for date and times.
Stations of the Cross
We have a beautiful STATIONS OF THE CROSS path located southwest of the Church Building. It is always open during daylight hours and has guide sheets available at the entrance. It is a special place noting the pain and suffering of our Lord on our behalf and a wonderful place for prayer and introspection. You are always welcome.
Thanksgiving
We have a special Thanksgiving Eve Service, a time to offer thanks to God for His many blessings. Bring the family, especially those who may be going home before Sunday services.
Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve we celebrate the birth of Jesus into this world with a special 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve candle light service. Your children are welcome to participate in our annual Christmas pageant. Costumes are provided. Christmas is literally Christ-Mass, the celebration of Holy Communion in remembrance of Jesus’ incarnation. What better way to celebrate Christmas than with remembrance of God’s GIFT to us, and to transition from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparation to the Peace of God and the true meaning of Christmas.