FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT OUR CHURCH FAMILY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Our Session (the governing body of the church - the members are elders) has instituted "Inquirer's Groups" as a means of receiving new members. An Inquirer's Group is a small group of adults who meet together with the Pastor or an Elder for six weeks.
The emphasis of the group is on Christian fellowship and is a time of getting to know one another. At the same time, there is an emphasis on discussions of the Christian faith as it applies in one's life today. We use the word "Inquirer's" because the group includes people who are inquiring about the Christian faith as well as those who may be interested in church membership.
Anyone interested in becoming part of such a group should speak to the Pastor or call the church office. Any adult who has not been baptized, will be baptized at the time he or she is received into membership.
HOW DO OUR CHILDREN BECOME MEMBERS?
A young person who has reached high school age and desires to assume the responsibilities of active membership as an adult member of the congregation is asked to become a part of a special Student Inquirer's Group.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR HAVING OUR BABY BAPTIZED?
Our Church offers to parents the alternative of Infant Baptism or Infant Dedication. Although different in meaning, the procedure is the same. Infant Baptism or Dedication is administered to infants when at least one parent is a professing Christian and is an active member of this particular church. Parents who are not yet members are welcome to join our next Inquirer's Class. Baptism or Dedication involves a commitment on the part of the parent and the congregation to teach each child about Jesus. The goal is that our children will grow up and make their own personal choice to trust Christ as their Savior.
The Pastor will be happy to arrange a visit with the parents to explain the meaning of Baptism or Dedication for their child. Following this visit the Pastor will ask the Session to approve the Baptism or Dedication.
WHEN CAN OUR CHILDREN TAKE COMMUNION?
The Sacrament of Communion is administered in this church on the first Sunday of each month to all believing Christians of any denomination. (The Pastor will be glad to take communion to any who are unable to attend on account of ill health upon request).
Children are also welcome to take communion once they have come to the place in their lives where they have personal faith in Christ and invited Him into their lives. We believe parents know their kids best and can decide together with their kids if they are ready to take communion. The Pastor is happy to consult with the parents regarding the readiness of young people to take communion.
In the case of death in the congregation the Pastor wishes to be notified at the earliest convenience of the family so that a pastoral call may be made either at the home or at the funeral chapel.
Our historic Church has hosted a great number of weddings. The building is available to both members and non-members of the church provided certain conditions are met. Please contct the church office and the pastor for further information.