Baptism
Baptism is the ritual ('sacrament') in the church’s life where we celebrate people’s committment to their faith journey.
In The United Church of Canada, baptism can take place when a child, teenager or adult makes a faith statement, or when parents or sponsers make a commitment to raise a child in a Christian context – to help them worship God and share in the mission and service of Christ. Because the congregation wil be making promises, as well as the person being baptised (or their parents on their behalf) all baptisms take place in the context of a congregational worship gathering (except in extreme situations of health.) Parents who would like their children to be baptised will be asked to meet with the minister and members of the congregation, and to explore questions about their own faith relationships – with Christ, with the Creator and with the Church.
Teens and adults who wish to be baptised will be asked to take some time to consider questions of their own relationship to God, their understanding of the commitment they are making, and what 'discipleship' meands to them. This can be through conversations with the minister, or with another member of the Church Board.
Weddings
The congregation of Golden Ears United Church beleives that marriage is joyful celebration of two people wishing to make a life-long commitment to each other. While we do not require any affiliation to a church or faith-tradition, it is important that couples realize that the worship leader will be offering a Christian marriage service.
Although there are many wonderful traditions around wedding, wedding worship gatherings facilitated by Golden Ears United’s officiants will not include words or practices that suggest that one party is subservient to the other – vows will not include words such as "obey", nor will individuals be "given away". (Parents, family members, and friends are invited to give their continued blessing to their children and to the marriage.)
Weddings may be conducted either at the church or other locations.
Any two people in possession of a valid marriage licence may be married at Golden Ears United Church – as long as there is no indication of abuse in the relationship, and neither party is legally intoxicated at the time of the wedding.
Golden Ears United Church’s Hall is available for receptions following Weddings. Additional charges apply and if alcohol is to be served, permission from the Church Board is required in addition to a licence from the BC Liquor Commission.
Funerals & Memorials
It is important to celebrate the life and grieve the death of people who are important in our lives. Services may be held at the Church, Funeral Chapel or in another location (Hall, Legion, Garden setting). No Church affiliation is required, but those organizing the funeral need to know that a Christian service will be offered.
The minister will ask to meet with members of the family to hear stories of the life of the person who has died, and to discuss the order of worship.
Golden Ears United Church’s Hall is available for receptions following Funerals. Additional charges apply and if alcohol is to be served, permission from the Church Board is required in addition to a licence from the BC Liquor Commission.