Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church
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Policy Information
Provided below is policy information regarding baptisms, marriage, and funeral services at Cooke's-Portsmouth. For more information please contact Rev. Deline. kchurch@kos.net
Baptism Policy for Children and Infants (The Session of Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church, June, 1997)
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation in the Christian church. Through it each of us is welcomed into the community of faith. It is a corporate act and a reminder that we are a people who have been moved from death to life through Christ.
The normal practice of the United Church of Canada is to baptize publicly during a service of worship. It is important for the entire community to be present. The family takes direct responsibility for the Christian training of the child (in the cases of infant baptism) and makes a declaration of faith. As well, the congregation makes a profession of faith and promises to help in the Christian education and spiritual growth of those who become part of the church family.
1. The Sacrament of Baptism, in the case of children, shall normally be administered with the consent of the Session to those children whose parents or guardians, one or both, have been baptized and confirmed and are members in good standing. Exceptions to this rule may only be made with the consent of the Session.
2. If the parents or guardians are not members in good standing of Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church, the child may be baptized with the assistance of a sponsoring Elder and it is suggested that the family join the church in order to fulfill their vows of bringing the child up in the Christian faith. Should the parents or guardians request that subsequent children be baptized here, having not joined the church, the request would likely be denied.
3. In the case of children whose grandparents are members in good standing, but whose parents are not, the first grandchild would be baptized with the understanding that the parents would seek to join a church to bring the child up in the Christian faith. For subsequent children to be baptized at Cooke's-Portsmouth, it would require either the parents active membership in this church or a letter from the pastor or the Session of another church requesting that the baptism be performed here.
Wedding Information
Licence: Available at City Hall. Both participants must be present and provide proof of age, etc. If you are divorced you will need your final decrees. The licence is valid when issued and remains valid for three (3) months. The Session of Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church, however, requires a minimum of six weeks notice. Bann forms may be available if both the bride and groom regularly attend church and are well known by their congregations. The Licence should be given to Rev. Deline one week in advance of your wedding (This is so we will know you have not cancelled!!!!).
Organist: Contact Kirsten Moller as soon as possible to arrange your music for your wedding.
Flowers: If you decide to have flowers in the church, you may use our stands. Please contact us kchurch@kos.net so the church will be open to arrange delivery, and explain if the flowers are to go with you after the service or if they are to be left for delivery to sick or shut-in people.
Cushions: White satin cushions are available if you decide to kneel during the service for prayer.
Candles, Candelabra, and Bulletins: These are also available, please contact Rev. Deline kchurch@kos.net
Fees: If you are a Member, or Supporting Adherent, of Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church, the fees are payable to Organist; Custodian; and Flower Convenor. If you are NOT a Member or Supporting Adherent of this church, a cheque is to be tendered when you bring your Wedding Licence to the church. The fee covers all church costs and materials for your 'Pre-marital Course' at the church. Cheques are to be made payable to Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church. THE MINISTER WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY FEE OR HONORARIUM. Instead, you are asked to attend worship at Cooke's-Portsmouth at least six (6) times before your wedding. If you are living in another city, you are asked to attend worship there. For current fee rates contact the church secretary kchurch@kos.net
NOTE:
NO CONFETTI is allowed in church buildings.
PHOTOGRAPHS MAY NOT BE TAKEN during the service itself.
For more information please contact the church: Phone (613) 542-4545 or E-mail kchurch@kos.net
Funeral Policy (Reviewed June, 1997)
The minister of Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church does not accept any fee or honorarium for funerals. If a funeral is 'pre-paid', or is from a 'non-church connected' person, and money is allocated; the funeral directors make a cheque out to Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church and it is deposited in the 'Minister's Discretionary Fund'.
After twenty (20) funerals in one year the minister will only accept funerals of families who have some association with Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church.
After twenty-four (24) funerals in one year, the minister will only accept funerals of those who are Members, Adherents, or members of the immediate families of the aforesaid.
Members and Adherents are encouraged to hold their funerals in Cooke's-Portsmouth United Church.
There is no cost to church Members / Adherents for funerals or hall for reception - a donation is usually given to the UCW for catering. The organist and caretaker usually receive the rate a funeral home would pay at it's own facility.