Events

Baptisms, Weddings, & Memorials

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 301-1015.

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 Miles at 301-1007.

Weddings

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.

Wedding Coordinator

First Church provides a wedding coordinator who oversees the details necessary to ensure that your wedding plans are carried out according to your wishes and in accordance with the church guidelines and procedures.
A wedding coordinator will be necessary if your guest list includes twenty-five or more guests.

Decorations

Candelabra and aisle candles are available.
Floral displays may not detract from, or hide, any of the Christian symbolism in the room.

Photography

Your wedding may be photographed and videotaped from the balcony in the Sanctuary or from the rear of the Kerr Chapel or the Great Hall.
An unmanned video camera may be set up in the choir loft of the Sanctuary.
An audio tape of a ceremony in the Sanctuary or Kerr Chapel may be made at cost, if you wish.
Flash photography is not permitted during the ceremony.

Music

The church will provide the organist for all weddings in the Sanctuary or Kerr Chapel. This is to be arranged through the Director of Music.
The music for the wedding must be sacred, in keeping with the nature of Christian worship. Pre-recorded music is not permitted in the Sanctuary or Kerr Chapel.
When the wedding is placed on the church calendar, the couple should immediately contact the Director of Music to arrange an appointment. All music used in the wedding service is subject to the approval of the Director of Music.
The Director of Music will arrange for a solo vocalist and/or instrumentalist, if you wish.

Rehearsal

The rehearsal is usually held on the day preceding the wedding and is conducted by the officiating pastor.
Promptness and conduct appropriate to a place of worship are expected.
Rehearsals may begin no later than 6:00 p.m.

License

The marriage license must be given to the wedding coordinator prior to the rehearsal. The marriage license may be obtained in any court clerk’s office in any Oklahoma county.

Wedding/Reception Fees

Your membership status at the time of submission of the wedding information form will determine the fees that apply.

Receptions

There are several rooms in the church and the Bernsen Community Life Center that are available:

ROOM	LOCATION
Miller Library	Church building 2nd floor
Wiseman Hall	Church building Basement
Reception Area 1st Floor	Bernsen Community Life Center
Lewis Conference Center 2nd Floor	Bernsen Community Life Center
Great Hall 4th Floor	Bernsen Community Life Center

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 301-1035.

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 301-1039.

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 301-1039.