Frequently Asked Questions
Baptism: Can I have my child baptized here?
Marriage: Who can be married here?
Funerals: Who can have a funeral here?
Membership: How can I join this church?
Confirmation: What is confirmation?
Baptism:
Baptism is a sacramental act that is always done in a worship service with the congregation present. When a child or infant is brought for baptism, the parents assume the faith promises to bring their child to church and shape them in the faith. Thus, at least one of the parents needs to be a believer and a member of this church. When a youth or adult comes for baptism, they are asked their own faith questions. For all who come for baptism, the congregation promises to nurture and support these individuals in their faith journey.
We believe that Baptism is an important act for the faith journey on earth, and if a child has not been baptized and suddenly dies, then we pray for God’s grace and mercy to receive that child into heaven. Thus, we do not baptize out of fear for the infant’s future. We baptize out of faith that Christ’s hand is on this child for the rest of his/her life.
Marriage:
Couples desiring to be married in this church must meet with the pastor for premarital counseling and preparation. You do not need to be a member of this church to be married in the sanctuary. Final decision on whether the service will be held here is left to the discretion of the pastor. Rental of the sanctuary for a wedding conducted by a pastor from another church is not normally allowed.
Funerals:
We conduct funerals for both members and non-members in the sanctuary. Contact should be made with the pastor for scheduling and guidance. A luncheon or reception prepared by our Reception Committee may also be available. The church desires to offer support and comfort during times of loss and grief.
Membership:
The essential requirement for becoming a member of a Presbyterian Church [PC(USA)] is a public profession that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, and a desire to follow him in your life.
In preparation to join the church, First Presbyterian requires three special meetings about:
- the history, theology and governance of this church
- exploring and using one’s spiritual gifts
- meeting with the elders.
Adults and confirmed youth become members in one of three ways:
- Profession of faith.
- Reaffirmation of faith
- Letter of Transfer from another Christian church.
Confirmation:
The process of Confirmation consists of a period of study, service, worship and prayer in preparation for a youth to make profession of faith before the congregation and become an active member of this particular church. In recent years, classes are held weekly for 8th and 9th graders (or older as requested) for about nine months. At the end of that time, each student writes a faith statement and reads it before the elders, pastor and parents at a special banquet.
On the Sunday that Confirmation happens, each youth publicly professes their faith in Jesus Christ. Afterwards a special prayer is prayed over each youth with the laying on of hands by parents, pastor and mentor. This is a very significant time in the youth’s spiritual journey when the faith questions answered at the youth’s baptism are now "confirmed" by the youth’s own profession of faith. That’s why this process is called Confirmation.
Youth whose parents are members and youth whose parents are not members may join in this spiritual process. At the end, if profession of faith is spoken, then the youth becomes an active member of this congregation with all the privileges and responsibilities that go along with membership.
Find out more about confirmation.
