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“Let the little children come to me… for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
Baptism is the sign and seal of God’s grace and covenant in Christ. As The Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (USA) explains, baptism signifies the faithfulness of God, the washing away of sin, rebirth, putting on the fresh garment of Christ, and adoption into the covenant family of the church.
The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. The congregation, on behalf of the whole church, assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized children in the Christian life, and it is for this reason that the congregation makes such a promise during the service.
The baptism of adults upon profession of faith – for those who were not baptized as a child – witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for fulfillment in a response of faithfulness.
In the unison prayer we also remember that we too were baptized and as children of God are part of the worldwide family of faith.
To schedule a baptism please contact Wendy Starr in the church office at 203-966-0002 (ext. 1) or via email at wendy@fpcnc.org
The PCUSA Book of Order reminds us that as Christians, a memorial or funeral service is an opportunity to stand with those in grief and mourning and give witness to the Resurrection hope we have in Christ:
In Baptism, each Christian is claimed in the covenant of God’s faithful love. Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple in society. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and which the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.
If they meet the requirements of the civil jurisdiction in which they intend to marry, a couple may request that a service of Christian marriage be conducted by a minister of the Word and Sacrament† in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who is authorized, though not required, to act as an agent of the civil jurisdiction in recording the marriage contract. A couple requesting a service of Christian marriage shall receive instruction from the minister of the Word and Sacrament, who may agree to the couple’s request only if, in the judgment of the minister of the Word and Sacrament, the couple demonstrate sufficient understanding of the nature of the marriage covenant and commitment to living their lives together according to its values. In making this decision, the minister of the Word and Sacrament may seek the counsel of the session, which has authority to permit or deny the use of church property for a marriage service.
A wedding at First Presbyterian Church is an act of worship. Thus, the wedding service will be conducted according to the liturgy found in the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship. It is appropriate for the service to include special music, hymns, Scripture readings, and a brief homily by the minister. The presiding minister will review the order of service and appropriate options with the couple.
Ordinarily, a minister on the staff of First Presbyterian Church will be the presiding minister at all weddings. The presiding minister from First Presbyterian Church has primary responsibility for the order and conduct of the wedding service. Other clergy may participate at the invitation of the presiding minister. If you wish to include an assisting minister who is not on the staff of First Presbyterian Church, please make your request to the presiding minister.
The presiding minister designated to officiate at the service will contact the couple and set up an appointment to meet with them to counsel and to plan the service. Please know that his or her schedule may limit the minister’s participation to the rehearsal and the service, and therefore he or she may not be able to attend the rehearsal dinner or reception.
Ordinarily, our Director of Music and Fine Arts, Terence J. Flanagan, will be the organist at all weddings. He will work with you on all musical selections. If you wish to have an organist other than First Presbyterian’s, please make your request to Terry Flanagan at 203-408-2861 or via email at terry@fpcnc.org.
There is ordinarily one to two readings from the Bible in each wedding ceremony. A list of suggested appropriate passages will be provided to you by the presiding minister. Readings from outside of the Bible will need to be approved by the presiding minister from First Presbyterian Church.
Because the wedding service is an act of worship, music should be sacred and appropriate for formal liturgical worship. Our Director of Music and Fine Arts, Terence J. Flanagan, will assist you in choosing appropriate music for your service. An additional fee will be charged for soloists and/or instrumentalists. Guest instrumentalists and soloists must be approved by our Director of Music and Fine Arts.
PCUSA’s Mission is to inspire, equip and connect the church in three main areas:
Evangelism and discipleship, servant leader formation, and justice and reconciliation.
Celebrate the spirit of the season with Charis Chamber Voices as we present a stunning
Winter Concert “Unbroken” Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00pm
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
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