Occasional Ministries
At various times in our lives we face change whether that be the joyous occasion of the joining of a man and woman together in marriage, the birth of a new child, or the sadness we feel around the death of a loved one. When Jesus Christ walked this earth he taught us about the deep significance of these events. As his followers we seek to live out these teachings as we face these life changing events. It is this understanding that gives us great comfort and hope because we believe in a God who meets and guides us at these turning points in our lives.
Weddings
Marriage is where two people: male and female, leave their parents, cleave to each other and become one flesh. Consequently they make a new family unit. The foundation is their faithful commitment to each other for life to love and serve each other. Marriage is a symbol of God’s unending love for us, therefore it is a life long commitment. We consider it a great privilege and joy to be involved in this foundational stage of a relationship. We are committed to helping engaged couples understand the implications of getting married in accordance with the Christian tradition.
Dedication or Baptism
The birth of a child is a gift from God. It is both a great privilege and a great responsibility. Jesus called for little children to be brought to him so that he could bless them. Children are of supreme importance to Jesus. We want to continue the pattern that Jesus taught and we provide the opportunity for parents who are not part of a church community to bring their children before God and ask for his blessing upon them in a dedication. For parents who are actively involved in a church community and who confess themselves to be disciples of Jesus Christ then they might like to consider having their children dedicated or baptised.
Funerals
Death is God's judgement upon humanity because all of us have failed to live up to God's law (Rom 3:19-20). The loss of a family member is always a time of great grief. But death is not what God desires for us and he gives us hope in the midst of our grief. Jesus Christ conquered death in his resurrection and now there is the hope of eternal life for those who turn to him in faith. Therefore, as we look to the hope that Jesus Christ has won for us we count it a privilege to be invited to be part of the farewell and ongoing grief process.
Weddings
Marriage is where two people: male and female, leave their parents, cleave to each other and become one flesh. Consequently they make a new family unit. The foundation is their faithful commitment to each other for life to love and serve each other. Marriage is a symbol of God’s unending love for us, therefore it is a life long commitment. We consider it a great privilege and joy to be involved in this foundational stage of a relationship. We are committed to helping engaged couples understand the implications of getting married in accordance with the Christian tradition.
Dedication or Baptism
The birth of a child is a gift from God. It is both a great privilege and a great responsibility. Jesus called for little children to be brought to him so that he could bless them. Children are of supreme importance to Jesus. We want to continue the pattern that Jesus taught and we provide the opportunity for parents who are not part of a church community to bring their children before God and ask for his blessing upon them in a dedication. For parents who are actively involved in a church community and who confess themselves to be disciples of Jesus Christ then they might like to consider having their children dedicated or baptised.
Funerals
Death is God's judgement upon humanity because all of us have failed to live up to God's law (Rom 3:19-20). The loss of a family member is always a time of great grief. But death is not what God desires for us and he gives us hope in the midst of our grief. Jesus Christ conquered death in his resurrection and now there is the hope of eternal life for those who turn to him in faith. Therefore, as we look to the hope that Jesus Christ has won for us we count it a privilege to be invited to be part of the farewell and ongoing grief process.