The church touches people's lives every day, but particularly at transitional points. The birth of a child, a marriage, a death. These tender moments cry out for spiritual celebrations, for an acknowledgement that God might have something to do with us in these times of transition. At All Saints, we are willing to be part of these moments of change, and to explore with you how the mercy and grace of God intersects with your journey through life.
Baptism
Baptism is how a person becomes a Christian. It is how you get adopted into the family of God. It is how you say that you intend to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It is one of the two great sacraments (holy celebrations) in the Episcopal Church. In baptism, an adult--or the parents and godparents if it is a child--stand before God and the gathered community of faith to renounce evil and to give one's life to Christ.
At All Saints, the sacrament of baptism is available to anyone of any age. If it is an adult, we expect that person will live out their new-found faith as a member of our community, worshipping with us weekly and sharing in our fellowship. If it is a child, we expect that the parents will be committed to raising their child in the Christian faith, bringing their son or daughter to worship, to Sunday School and to youth classes until he or she is old enough to decide independently if they want to be confirmed.
Baptism is offered on special days throughout the year, but always at a regular church service, and never privately. Baptism classes are also required prior to the sacrament. Baptism is a serious and eternal commitment to Jesus Christ. It is, in many ways, the most important day of a person's life. At All Saints, we would be delighted to walk with you as you make this commitment to Christ.
Marriage
The words of the Episcopal marriage service state that "marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God." At All Saints, we take seriously the business of marriage … not just the wedding ceremony, but the life-long relationship that begins on the wedding day. We want to help your marriage be a strong and lasting one.
Couples who are members of All Saints, or who are children or grandchildren of members, may always get married here. Couples must participate in at least three premarital advising sessions.
If you are not a member, but you are interested in getting married at All Saints, you must be willing to explore what faith means to you and your intended. That means participating in at least three, and perhaps more, premarital advising sessions with clergy, as well as attending church regularly during your engagement, and exploring as a couple what it means to participate in a faith community.
Marriages call for a great deal of planning. Please contact the church at least 6 months in advance of the event, and preferably one year in advance. The Pastor decides whether or not to perform a marriage at All Saints, and any conversations about marriage here always begin with an appointment with the Pastor.
Burial
Death raises questions of eternity, questions of hope, questions about God, questions about the future. The immediate grief of a family can be profound, and the planning of a funeral or a memorial service can seem daunting.
In this vulnerable time, the church wants to walk with those who grieve and celebrate the life of the person who has died. Our Prayer Book tells us that "baptized Christians are properly buried from the church." Church members should call the church for pastoral support when a member approaches the time of death. If you are not a member of All Saints, but you wonder if your loved one can be buried from All Saints, please consult with the Pastor as soon as possible.
For more information about baptisms, weddings or funerals, contact the Pastor, the Rev. Kit Carlson, at the church office, 517-351-7160, or by email at pastorkitcarlson@gmail.com.
