Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals
Baptisms
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church. It is a public statement of one’s intentional decision to follow the way of Jesus. In the case of infant baptism, it is the parents’ and godparents’ declaration of their intent to raise a child in the way of Jesus. The bond that God establishes in baptism is indissoluble, so baptism is only administered once. Baptisms conducted in other Christian denominations are recognized by the Episcopal Church.
When you choose to be baptized yourself, or to have your child baptized, it means you are choosing to live out your faith as part of a worldwide Christian community, taking your part in the worship, mission and ministries of the local parish. In the Episcopal Church, it means committing yourself to the way of life outlined in the Baptismal Covenant of the Prayer Book. Baptism is open to all people, regardless of age or background.
If you are considering baptism for either yourself or your child, please contact Cindy Scam.
Weddings
Holy Matrimony is the sacrament by which two people enter into a life-long union by making vows before God and the Church.
A wedding at Saint Luke’s celebrates Christian marriage and seeks God’s blessing on a couple’s life together. A Christian marriage implies a belief that faith will play an important role in your relationship. It also suggests that the couple embraces the dedication and disciplines required in Christian marriage. The service affirms a commitment and belief that marriage is a life-long covenant, undertaken through a vow of love and faithfulness. Couples are prepared through a series of conversations with the clergy to explore the Christian understanding of marriage and to plan the service.
Weddings at Saint Luke’s are open to both opposite and same-gender couples. The Episcopal Church is also open to the re-marriage of divorced persons. At least one member of the couple must be baptized. In scheduling weddings, priority is given to members of the parish and their children.
Contact Cindy Scam to begin a conversation about scheduling a wedding at Saint Luke’s.
Funerals
As Christians we believe that those who die are gathered to God and ushered into new life through Christ. The burial rites of the Church provide an opportunity for friends and family to acknowledge faith and hope in the midst of loss, and to commend those we love to God’s never-failing care.
The clergy are available for three kinds of services. A funeral takes place within days following death, with a closed casket or urn present. A memorial service, in which remains are not present, may take place at any time suitable for the bereaved. A committal service takes place at a cemetery or columbarium and may follow a funeral or take place separately.
Additionally, we have an outdoor columbarium on our campus if you would like to inter your loved one’s cremains at Saint Luke’s.
If you would like to schedule a funeral or have questions about the Columbarium, please contact Cindy Scam.
