Baptisms and Weddings
The Covenant of Baptism--
Baptismal Policy for Melrose
Baptism celebrates God’s initiative and our response. It is God’s “Yes” to us, and our “Yes” to God. It is a sign of the Divine-human covenant. Baptism flows from God’s grace and pours out in lives of gratitude and commitment. As initiation into the Church, the Body of Christ, it is an act of welcoming, blessing, and belonging.
Our baptismal identity is both individual and communal. Baptism honours the diversity of individuals and challenges us to be a community of equals.
Baptism for infants and young children proclaims the unconditional grace and love of God. It is also a reminder of the wonder, blessing, and new responsibilities that come with a new life. In the case of adults, baptism is a moving witness to the work of the Spirit in individual and corporate commitment. It is also a celebration of the promise of new life and growth in faith.
Melrose United Church embraces a theology of inclusion and, as such, welcomes all who wish to be initiated into the Body of Christ through baptism. Those requesting baptism, either for themselves or their children, do not need to be members of Melrose. It is not up to us to decide how God’s grace will be mediated – that is for God.
Baptism in The United Church of Canada normally occurs within a regular Sunday worship service. As an integral participant in the baptismal covenant, Melrose promises to be involved in the on-going nurture and support of the baptismal candidate’s faith and spiritual growth.
Because the congregation undertakes a commitment to the person being baptized, Melrose does expect some commitment on the part of those being baptized or, in the case of babies and children, their parents. Melrose requires that an adult being baptized, and at least one adult on behalf of a child being baptized or dedicated, must offer informed consent to all the questions & promises in the baptismal covenant. This will normally happen by attending at least one information meeting with the Melrose minister which will explore what baptism means in The United Church of Canada and at Melrose and what it means to those requesting baptism. This meeting will also review the questions and promises made during the baptismal covenant.
It is strongly suggested that an adult being baptized or at least one of the parents of the child being baptized attend a minimum of one regular Sunday worship service prior to the Sunday of the baptism. It is hoped that those who are baptized will continue to be a part of the Melrose faith community in the days and years after baptism.
A Church Wedding
We are honoured that you have chosen to be married in our church sanctuary or chapel. We look forward to helping you plan your wedding day. This short guide has been prepared to help answer some frequently asked questions concerning our wedding policies. Please contact the minister, The Rev. Liz Mackenzie, if you have any unanswered questions.
Your marriage service is first and foremost a worship service in which you make a covenant with one another and with God. In the name of Christ, the church blesses your marriage covenant; praying that you may know the freedom, joy, and sanctity of life-long union.
You do not have to be a member of the church to be married at Melrose. We do ask, however, that you approach the ceremony with reverence, respecting the convictions of both the church and yourselves.
We invite you to attend any of the worship services which are held on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. This will give you the opportunity to experience the worship life of the congregation, and to understand better your marriage as an act of Christian worship.
If you wish to learn more about Christian faith and life we welcome your inquiry. We would also welcome your decision to become a member at Melrose.
Interviews With The Minister
There are usually two interviews with the minister. The first provides an opportunity to get acquainted, and for couples and minister alike to learn something of each other's expectations. The next meeting is devoted to finalizing the Marriage Service. You will be given resources for the wording of various parts of the Service.
Consulting The Music Director
We would be pleased to recommend a well-qualified organist to meet with couples so that they can participate in the selection of Prelude, Processional and Recessional music. The soloists of Melrose are also available for wedding services. If couples wish other instrumentalists for the service (e.g., trumpeter, flautist, oboist, etc.) the organist is to be consulted. In all cases, if you wish to participate in the choice of the music for your wedding, please contact the organist at least one month prior to the service.
Education for Marriage
We strongly encourage you to participate in an ecumenical marriage preparation weekend sponsored by the Community Counselling Centre of Hamilton-Wentworth. These events focus on enhancing communications skills, the constructive use of conflict, spousal roles and expectations, sexuality, finance, and spirituality. Registration forms are available from the minister.
Marriage Licence
A marriage licence, valid for 90 days, can be purchased at City Hall. The licence should be left with the Minister at least one week before the wedding.
Flowers
In arranging for flowers please be aware of the limited space in the church's chancel area. It is important to have the flowers delivered to the church at a time when the church is open. Please arrange the time of flower delivery with the church secretary or custodian. Flowers that are left in the sanctuary after the wedding may be used in the worship service on the following Sunday.
Photography
Light flashes and camera noise can detract from the Marriage Service. For this reason, photography is not permitted in the service, between the Call to Worship and Benediction. Permission will be given to the official photographer for a limited number of photographs during the service, provided that none are taken during times of prayer. Photographs may be taken without restriction during the Processional and Recessional. Please ensure that your photographer is aware of our policy.
Videotaping of Wedding Services is permitted. However, cameras must be stationary; with no additional lighting; and no restriction of sight lines for the congregation. Please alert the videographer to our policy.
Rehearsal
Almost all weddings require a rehearsal so that the marriage service may be conducted in good order and with minimal anxiety on the part of the couple and bridal party. The rehearsal usually takes place on the evening before the marriage, and takes about one hour. The couple, the bridal party, any additional ushers, and any involved family members should be present.
Confetti
The use of confetti or rice is not permitted in or around the church building.
Parking
There is limited parking on Locke Street in front of the church. The Church has a parking lot for spproximately 40 cars, and is accessed from Stanley Avenue.
Service Bulletin
If a printed Order of Service is desired, the couple is invited to supply the blank bulletins or copy paper, and the Church Secretary will prepare and duplicate them for a fee of $25.
Fee Schedule
Non-refundable Booking Fee: $50
Church Use: $400 (Chapel $210)
Minister: $250
Organist: $200 (An additional fee is applicable if practice time with a soloist is required)
Custodian: $100
Total cost of church wedding: $1000
If soloists or instrumentalists are employed at your service, their fees are additional.
Fees with individual cheques in envelopes labelled for Minister and Organist, are to be submitted to the church office at least one week before the wedding. At the same time, please provide the payment for the custodian in an envelope marked, "Melrose Custodian".
Group Facility Use
Melrose offers an array of spaces for single-use events and long-term tenants.
Facilities include the sanctuary, chapel, parlour, gymnasium, auditorium and other meeting rooms.
Our adjoining parking lot accommodates 40 cars.
Please contact the (905-522-1323) for rates and availability.