Baptism
The Book of Common Prayer calls baptism “full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church.” (298). While baptism is often celebrated for a baby or very young child, there are stories in the New Testament of adults, and even entire households, being baptized together. In baptism, God adopts us as children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church.
The center of baptism is God’s loving grace and action toward us, through which we also make the promises of the baptismal covenant and promise to “put [our] whole trust in Christ’s grace and love” and turn away from evil and sin. Baptism is celebrated in the context of the primary Sunday worship service so that the whole community has an opportunity to do all in their power to support the newly baptized in their life in Christ. The baptismal covenant includes the affirmation of the ancient Apostles’ Creed and the following promises, all committed to “with God’s help.”
Celebrant Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you proclaim by word and example theGood News of God in Christ?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People I will, with God's help.
​
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God's help.
Celebrant Will you cherish the wondrous works of God, and protect the beauty and integrity of all creation?
People I will, with God's help.
​​
​If you would like to have your child baptized at St Andrew’s, please take a few months to “try us out” to see if you’d like for St Andrew’s to be your spiritual home. The sacrament of baptism fits best into the holy days of Easter, Pentecost, All Saints Day (the Sunday after November 1), and the Baptism of Jesus (the Sunday after January 6), but other days may also be appropriate. We do not celebrate baptisms during the season of Lent. If you are an adult seeking baptism, please be in touch and we will plan for a time of preparation.
Weddings
All couples, regardless of the gender identities of the couple, are welcome to enter into the sacrament of marriage at St Andrew’s. Marriage is a calling in which two come together as one, giving themselves to the other as an unconditional gift. As rings are exchanged, the two partners promise, “with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.”
The Episcopal Church celebrates marriage equality and all couples are welcome to partake of the sacrament in our church.
If you would like for our clergy to officiate your ceremony:
One partner must be a baptized Christian (any denomination).
Four pre-marital counseling sessions are required with the clergy or a licensed counselor.
The ceremony will be based on Episcopal liturgical resources as found in the Book of Common Prayer and supplemental sources, with some ability to customize in collaboration with the clergy.
If you have your own officiant:
The church may be rented out for the day.
There are no religious or other requirements, beyond signing a building use contract for the time/s desired.
Photo Credit: @danalynnphotos
Christian Burial
You only are immortal, the creator and maker of humankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and to earth shall we return. For so did you ordain when you created me, saying, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” All of us go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Book of Common Prayer, 499
​
​
Christian burial finds its meaning in Easter and the promise of resurrection. The liturgy for the burial of the dead is marked not only by space for grief, but also joy in the assurance that not even death can separate us from God’s love.Our Memorial Garden offers a peaceful spot, nestled next to the church and looking out on the rectory lawn, where past & present members of the St Andrew's community can be laid to rest.
The planning booklet “A Christian Prepares for Death” has more information about liturgical choices, notes for loved ones, and specific details about the memorial garden.
