Halifax Congregational Church, U.C.C.
Introduction to the Sacraments and Rites of the Church
Approved by the Diaconate (May 19, 2019)
Rev. Dr. William Wildman, Pastor
Welcome to the Halifax Congregational Church, a member congregation of the United Church of Christ! We are so glad that you are here, and our doors are open for you! Would you like to be baptized, have your child baptized, or receive Holy Communion? You are welcome here! Recently lost a loved one and desire to remember and honor them with a funeral or memorial service? Let us help! Met the love of your life and wish to celebrate your relationship through marriage? Let us know so that we can celebrate with you! Need advice or just to talk? We are ready to listen!
Please check out the summaries of the Sacraments and Rites that we offer at the Halifax Congregational Church below. Pastor Bill is also happy to provide more information and answer questions about the special opportunities that are found in the sacraments and rites of the church.
Baptism
Baptism is an act of thanksgiving, an expression of gratitude for the gifts of life. It is recognition of the sacred mystery of God’s grace which is at the center of life. Baptism is a sacrament of the Christian Church given to us by Jesus’ own example when he was baptized at the Jordan River by his cousin John. As such it is understood to be the rite of entrance into the life and membership of the Church.
We see Baptism as a sign of God love and grace, God’s renewing power and rebirth in Jesus Christ, and of our welcome into the church of Jesus Christ. It affirms the person as a beloved child of God.
Baptism is recognition of the fact that we are God’s children. The congregation has a special responsibility in that all baptized persons are under its care. In receiving the sacrament, the person being baptized, or their parent/guardian (s), affirms Christ as their Lord and Savior, and makes the commitment to be Christ’s faithful disciples in and through the worship and work of Christ’s Church.
Baptisms are available for all people of all ages. Persons of age may request Baptism by full immersion, which is available offsite. Please contact the Pastor to schedule a pre-baptism appointment to plan your celebration of God’s grace and welcome!
Communion
We celebrate Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper, Eucharist) the first Sunday of the month and you are welcome to participate. All present during worship are invited to share in this precious gift of Jesus Christ. Communion is a sacrament of the Christian Church given to us by Jesus’ own example at the Last Supper as a way to remember him, and all that he taught and has done for us.
During our program year, we serve the bread and grape juice in the pews from trays. For the summer months, and on special occasions, Communion may be served by Intinction, where the congregation is invited to come forward to take bread and dip it into the cup of grape juice, and then immediately consume the elements of Communion. Rice crackers are also provided for those who are unable to consume wheat at all Communion services.
Communion is also provided to those participating in church school, and is served to them after the worship service. We will also provide Communion for shut-ins, those in the hospital, and on request for weddings and funerals.
Funerals
Our congregation is here for you during your time of need. Our church is available for viewings, callings hours, funeral or memorial services, and receptions to celebrate the life of your loved one. Graveside and funeral home services are also available.
Our Pastor is ready to meet with you to plan a service that will both honor the memory of your loved one, as well as help to provide closure and comfort to your family and friends. Pastoral care before, during, and after the death of a loved one is also available.
Bereavement and funeral ministry services are provided by our Pastor to all people, regardless of church or faith affiliation. Please contact us directly or through your funeral director for more information and to make arrangements for your service.
Marriage
Marriage is a way of life where human love reflects God’s love. We perform weddings as a Rite of the Christian Church. Just as God promises to care of us, spouses promise in their wedding vows to be faithful in care and companionship. A wedding at our church is a celebration of God's blessing for a couple that is starting a new life together. We also offer vow renewal ceremonies for couples celebrating a milestone in their relationship, as well as blessings for civil marriages.
At least one or more pre-martial meetings with the Pastor are needed in order to prepare for your special celebration. We recommend that couples call as soon as possible in order to book their wedding date and pre-marital meetings. Weddings are not available on Christmas Eve or Day, Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter) and Easter Sunday.
Receptions, small and large, are possible at the church in Fellowship Hall. Please make your request as early as possible to the Trustees of the congregation.
Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion) are always provided free of charge.
Please call the church for the fee schedule for funerals and weddings.
Video and photos are welcomed as long as flashes are not used and the view of those in the congregation is not obstructed.
Introduction to the Sacraments and Rites of the Church
Approved by the Diaconate (May 19, 2019)
Rev. Dr. William Wildman, Pastor
Welcome to the Halifax Congregational Church, a member congregation of the United Church of Christ! We are so glad that you are here, and our doors are open for you! Would you like to be baptized, have your child baptized, or receive Holy Communion? You are welcome here! Recently lost a loved one and desire to remember and honor them with a funeral or memorial service? Let us help! Met the love of your life and wish to celebrate your relationship through marriage? Let us know so that we can celebrate with you! Need advice or just to talk? We are ready to listen!
Please check out the summaries of the Sacraments and Rites that we offer at the Halifax Congregational Church below. Pastor Bill is also happy to provide more information and answer questions about the special opportunities that are found in the sacraments and rites of the church.
Baptism
Baptism is an act of thanksgiving, an expression of gratitude for the gifts of life. It is recognition of the sacred mystery of God’s grace which is at the center of life. Baptism is a sacrament of the Christian Church given to us by Jesus’ own example when he was baptized at the Jordan River by his cousin John. As such it is understood to be the rite of entrance into the life and membership of the Church.
We see Baptism as a sign of God love and grace, God’s renewing power and rebirth in Jesus Christ, and of our welcome into the church of Jesus Christ. It affirms the person as a beloved child of God.
Baptism is recognition of the fact that we are God’s children. The congregation has a special responsibility in that all baptized persons are under its care. In receiving the sacrament, the person being baptized, or their parent/guardian (s), affirms Christ as their Lord and Savior, and makes the commitment to be Christ’s faithful disciples in and through the worship and work of Christ’s Church.
Baptisms are available for all people of all ages. Persons of age may request Baptism by full immersion, which is available offsite. Please contact the Pastor to schedule a pre-baptism appointment to plan your celebration of God’s grace and welcome!
Communion
We celebrate Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper, Eucharist) the first Sunday of the month and you are welcome to participate. All present during worship are invited to share in this precious gift of Jesus Christ. Communion is a sacrament of the Christian Church given to us by Jesus’ own example at the Last Supper as a way to remember him, and all that he taught and has done for us.
During our program year, we serve the bread and grape juice in the pews from trays. For the summer months, and on special occasions, Communion may be served by Intinction, where the congregation is invited to come forward to take bread and dip it into the cup of grape juice, and then immediately consume the elements of Communion. Rice crackers are also provided for those who are unable to consume wheat at all Communion services.
Communion is also provided to those participating in church school, and is served to them after the worship service. We will also provide Communion for shut-ins, those in the hospital, and on request for weddings and funerals.
Funerals
Our congregation is here for you during your time of need. Our church is available for viewings, callings hours, funeral or memorial services, and receptions to celebrate the life of your loved one. Graveside and funeral home services are also available.
Our Pastor is ready to meet with you to plan a service that will both honor the memory of your loved one, as well as help to provide closure and comfort to your family and friends. Pastoral care before, during, and after the death of a loved one is also available.
Bereavement and funeral ministry services are provided by our Pastor to all people, regardless of church or faith affiliation. Please contact us directly or through your funeral director for more information and to make arrangements for your service.
Marriage
Marriage is a way of life where human love reflects God’s love. We perform weddings as a Rite of the Christian Church. Just as God promises to care of us, spouses promise in their wedding vows to be faithful in care and companionship. A wedding at our church is a celebration of God's blessing for a couple that is starting a new life together. We also offer vow renewal ceremonies for couples celebrating a milestone in their relationship, as well as blessings for civil marriages.
At least one or more pre-martial meetings with the Pastor are needed in order to prepare for your special celebration. We recommend that couples call as soon as possible in order to book their wedding date and pre-marital meetings. Weddings are not available on Christmas Eve or Day, Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter) and Easter Sunday.
Receptions, small and large, are possible at the church in Fellowship Hall. Please make your request as early as possible to the Trustees of the congregation.
Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion) are always provided free of charge.
Please call the church for the fee schedule for funerals and weddings.
Video and photos are welcomed as long as flashes are not used and the view of those in the congregation is not obstructed.