The United Church of Christ honors two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion.

Other rituals and ceremonies fall under the category of “Life Rites”, which include:
Confirmation, Blessings and Invocations, Funerals and Memorials, and Weddings.

Baptism at CSM

If you are interested in having your child baptized, or if you yourself would like to be baptized as an adult, please contact our pastor to make arrangements.

For those raised in non-Christian faiths or in no particular faith, it is an opportunity to claim your dedication to Christ. Once a person has been baptized in any Christian tradition, it is accepted and valid in other traditions. For example, if you were baptized as a Catholic or Baptist, and want to be a part of our congregation, you do not need to be baptized a second time. If, however, you would like to affirm your baptismal vows as an adult, arrangements can be made.

Baptisms are performed during our Sunday morning worship, as part of our worship time together. Only in special circumstances, such as mobility restrictions or medical necessity, will baptisms be performed privately. We baptize with a sprinkling of water on the forehead.

There is no fee or requested donation to the pastor for a baptism. It is our honor to preside over this sacrament. If you do feel so moved to make a donation to the congregation in honor of the baptism, we would certainly welcome your gift.

Holy Communion

Communion is served on the first and third Sunday of the month. On the first Sunday, deacons serve the elements (bread and juice) to the congregation sitting in the pews (seats.) This is accompanied by a more traditional, or “high” liturgy. On the third Sunday, communion is served at the altar by intinction, where you come forward an take a piece of bread and dip it into the cup.

Anyone who seeks to know Christ is welcome at our communion table. Children are invited to take communion at the family’s discretion. Nothing and no one should keep you from sharing in the blessing of this sacrament.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the means by which a young person claims for him or herself the promises made on their behalf during baptism. It is an opportunity to affirm one’s desire to continue on the faith journey.

Blessings and Invocations

As Children of God, we are all blessed and posses the ability to bestow blessings and offer prayer when so moved or called upon. However, if you or your organization desires to have an ordained clergy person offer a prayer or blessing, our pastor is honored to offer her services. What might call for a blessing, you might ask? A new or rebuilt house, a sports game, a convention, an adoption, a pet, a new driver – – any reasonable request will be considered. There are no fees for prayers or blessings. If you feel so moved to offer an honorarium, it would be gratefully received.

Funerals & Memorials

It is our privilege and honor to help families celebrate the life of a departed loved one. Our pastor will work with you to honor the memory of your loved one through a time of worship, reflection, and prayer. Our music staff is available to add anthems, hymns, or simple background to the service. We are available to hold services for individuals regardless of church membership or religious affiliation. Our pastor is also available for graveside committals, in conjunction with or as an alternative to a memorial service. Reverend Phil is also available to lead services in locations other than our sanctuary, such as a funeral home, family home, or reception hall.

Our Fellowship Hall is available for a reception or repast. We work closely with a local caterer, and would be happy to facilitate arrangements.

For those who are non-members of this congregation, there are a small number of reasonable fees for building usage and the work of our pastoral, musical, and custodial staff.

Weddings

Our pastor would be happy to work with you to craft a service that meets your needs and traditions. Typically, our pastor will meet with couples twice prior to a wedding in order to get to know you further as a couple and plan with you the wedding ceremony. Our Music Director is available for organ and piano selections, and we welcome any vocal or instrumental soloists you might invite to share in this celebration.