Baptism    

Baptism is a celebration welcoming people of all ages into a life of active Christian discipleship. Baptisms take place within the context of Sunday morning worship and are arranged throughout the year, except during the season of Lent. Candidates for baptism or their parents, in the case of an infant or small child, meet with the ministers for baptismal preparation. They are also invited to attend worship in the weeks leading up to the baptism.

Those wishing a more personal or private celebration for a new baby might arrange with our ministers to have a Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child. (See below)

For adults and youth who have already been baptized, we offer Faith Formation classes and the opportunity to celebrate a Renewal of Baptismal Vows (Confirmation).

Baptism Information pamphlet: Baptism_Planning_Pamphlet__2022.pdf

Contact the church office to find out more about this special service.

Thanksgiving for birth of a child

Those wishing to mark the birth of a child with a special celebration are invited to speak with our ministers about a Thanksgiving for the Birth of a Child. This ceremony is personalized to include a formal naming of the child, prayers offered by the parents, siblings, family and friends, gifts presented to the child, and more. This celebration can be private or in a larger group such as the congregation. It could be held in the home, at the church or in another appropriate location. This thanksgiving celebration can be offered instead of or in addition to the celebration of baptism.

See Baptism Information Pamphlet for more information: 

Baptism_Planning_Pamphlet__2022.pdf

Contact the church office to find out more about this special service.

Communion    

Communion is the celebration of the last meal, as well as the many other meals, that Jesus shared with his disciples. In communion, we gather as a community to refresh our spirits and to renew our relationship with each other and with God as we share the bread and the cup.

 In the United Church, we use grape juice and bread as our communion elements. Sometimes we receive in the manner of our Presbyterian roots, with each person being served a small cup of juice and a small piece of bread where they are seated. When all have been served, we eat and drink together. Sometimes we receive in the manner of our Methodist roots, with each person being invited to come forward to receive a piece of bread and dip it into a cup of juice so that we share from a common cup and loaf. We do not drink from the common cup in our tradition. Communion is celebrated during the Sunday morning service about once a month. Gluten free options are provided for those who need them.

Weddings

A wedding is a celebration of a covenant made between two partners in the presence of God. A church wedding provides a celebration of both a legal and a spiritual union. Our ministers are available to officiate at weddings, either within our sanctuary or chapel, or at another meaningful location. They enjoy meeting with couples to plan personal wedding ceremonies which reflect the faith of the couple. Couples are asked to participate in Marriage Preparation sessions prior to the wedding.

Wedding Planning Pamphlet: Wedding_Planning_Pamphlet_2022.pdf

Contact the church office for more information.

Funeral/Memorial/Celebration of Life

At the time of a death, it is extremely important that the family and friends have a time to say, “Good-bye” to a loved one and to celebrate the life that has been shared. Even if a loved one has requested no service, the family still needs a way of marking the change that has come to their life and remembering the life of their loved one. Our ministers are available to preside either in the sanctuary, at the funeral home or in another appropriate location. They will meet with families and friends to plan a personal gathering, whether it is a funeral/memorial service or a more informal gathering in someone’s home. They have many ideas and resources to help you plan a meaningful celebration.

Funeral Planning Pamphlet: Funeral_Planning_Pamphlet_2022.pdf

Contact the church office for more information or request the ministers from High River United Church through your Funeral Home.