Baptisms, Weddings & Funerals
God is with you throughout your life journey. At St. Luke’s United we want to help you celebrate God’s presence at the special milestones in your life and the life of your family.
If you would like St. Luke's United Church to officiate at your family baptism, wedding, or funeral service, please contact our minister (rickgunn@stlukesunited.ca) for more information.
About Baptism, Confirmation,
Adult Profession of Faith
At St. Luke’s baptism is a joyous celebration. Baptism, of course, for people of any age, is a public declaration of the intention to follow the ways of Jesus, through life in a faith community.
If you are bringing an infant for baptism, we celebrate with you that you have a new member in the family. We feel privileged that your have chosen St. Luke’s to share with you in your child’s upbringing, as, in baptism, parents are making a declaration of their intent to raise their child in a community of faith and to share the faith story with them as they grow in faith.
As a faith community we all agree that sharing faith with our children is a very important part of their lives. As we all seek the best for our child/children’s health, education, and overall development, we believe attending to their spiritual nurture is the way to help them live into full and fulfilled lives.
Often in one’s teenage years, youth enter a period of exploration of faith. At the end of confirmation classes, a series of conversations between a group the teens, the minister and spiritual mentors, the youth may to choose to reaffirm the vows made for them at their baptism in Confirmation.
We rejoice if, as an adult, you have come to a place in your spiritual journey that you want to publicly want to declare your faith with others. Profession of Faith takes place as part of our Sunday Service.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows through Confirmation and Profession of Faith involve a period of discernment. We celebrate your intention to begin the time of exploration around this important step in your life’s journey.
For more information, contact rickgunn@stlukesunited.ca.
Baptism Policy
Grounding Scripture: The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him, even though some of them doubted. Jesus drew near and said to them, " I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28: 16 – 20)
One or both parents (or designated Sponsor) must be a baptized member of a Christian Church or be willing to be baptized themselves in order for your child to be baptized.
The parent(s) must meet with the Ordered Minister to discuss the meaning of Baptism prior to the baptism of their child(ren).
As Baptism is an act of becoming part of the Christian community, Baptism is expected to take place during Sunday worship. Exceptions may be approved by the Congregational Ministry in case of medical conditions of the parents or child.
Adults wishing to be baptized at St. Luke's United Church shall attend Confirmation sessions and be baptized/confirmed in accordance with United Church tradition.
Following are the standard Baptismal Questions (also called Profession of Faith) used at St. Luke’s that are asked during the Baptismal Service:
Do you believe in God, Source of Love; in Jesus Christ, love in human form; and in the Holy Spirit, love’s power? If so, please say, “I do”.
Will you follow in the way of Jesus Christ by living a life that offers compassion and care to your community and to creation? If so, please say, “I will”.
Do you commit yourself to support the church of Jesus Christ and its ministry? If so, please say, “I do.”
(To parent(s) or designated sponsor having children baptized)
Will you pray for _______, encourage him/her/them by your words and actions, and journey with her/him/them in the way of Jesus? If so, please say, “I will, God being my helper”.
Note: the wording of these vows may be adapted by the presiding clergy person.
Marriage
As a church, we believe the love of God is powerfully found within our relationships with one another and, because of our belief, we celebrate the Covenant of Marriage as a service of Christian worship. Marriage is a spiritually and legally binding union of two adults of any sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
Funeral & Memorial Services
And at life’s end, we again remember the wonder and mystery of life, give thanks for the life lived and grieve the loss of our loved one. In a Funeral or Memorial Service, we again note God’s presence as we celebrate their life, reach out to their family and friends with care and support, and remember the story of the resurrection and, in doing so, gain hope, strength and courage.
If you have any questions about how the church can help you mark and bless any significant moment in your life and the life of your loved ones, contact the minister.
