Baptism, Confirmation, Funeral, Home Communion, Wedding

Baptism

What is infant baptism?

Both believers and their children are included in God's covenant love. Children of believers are to be baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste. Baptism, whether administered to those who profess their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament. The Baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. (Book of Order W-2.3008)

Baptism, therefore, usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age. Parents bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that he or she be baptized. When an infant or child is baptized the church commits itself to nurture the child in faith. When adults are baptized they make a public profession of faith.

What does baptism signify?

The following list is taken from the Book of Order W-2.3004

the faithfulness of God
the washing away of sin
rebirth
putting on the fresh garment of Christ
being sealed by God's Spirit
adoption into the covenant family of the Church
resurrection and illumination in Christ

Unlike some denominations, Presbyterians do not require a person to be entirely immersed in water during baptism. Baptism is received only once. Its effect is not tied to the moment when it is administered, for it signifies the beginning of life in Christ, not its completion. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes that persons of other denominations are part of one body of Christian believers; therefore, it recognizes and accepts baptisms by other Christian churches.

For more information, please contact Sharon Richards at 584.4701, ext. 249.

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Confirmation

Confirmation is a one-year course of study leading to a personal statement of faith. The curriculum takes students through a complete survey of the Bible and immersion in the confessional tradition of the church. Confirmation is a voluntary covenant on the part of each participant. A person's decision to participate or not to participate will not, in any way, prevent participation in other parts of youth ministry.

For more information, please contact Jaclyn Wilson at 584.4701.

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Funeral/Memorial

Funerals and memorial services are complex events that must balance many factors, including religious requirements, emotional needs, and financial realities. They are also services of worship:

to give God thanks as the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of life;
to celebrate the life of the deceased;
to aid family and friends in the mourning process;
to draw on our faith resources and the promise

“…that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39

For more information, please contact Sara Studenmund at 584.4701.

Service Information

At the time of death, one of our pastors will work closely with family members to plan the details of the Funeral or Memorial Service and to extend the care of our congregation.

For more information, please contact Sara Studenmund at 584.4701.

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Home Communion

Home Communion enables those members who are unable to attend regular worship services to receive communion in their homes.

For more information, please contact Sara Studenmund at 584.4701.

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Wedding

At First Presbyterian Church, weddings are occasions of both joy and reverence—joy because of the gifts of love and happiness that the bride and groom have found in each other, and reverence because of the deep commitment they have made to live out their vows under the grace of God. The staff of First Presbyterian Church is eager to help make your wedding a lovely and meaningful event.

CLICK HERE for information on weddings at First Presbyterian Church.

CLICK HERE if you are a member. Afterwards, CLICK HERE for member fees.

CLICK HERE if you are not a member. Afterwards, CLICK HERE for non-member fees.

CLICK HERE if you would like to fill out a wedding application form

For more information, please contact Tonye Briscoe at 584.4701.

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