Baptisms

Can anyone be baptized?

Yes! Christ’s gracious invitation is open to all. However, it should be understood that baptism is only the beginning in faith for both children and adults. For infants and children to be baptized, it is imperative that the adults in their life take seriously their responsibilities to continue the children’s learning and growth in faith, which is just as important as feeding, nurture and schooling. The congregation also explicitly commits to help with this in the baptism service.

What is Baptism?

Presbyterians understand baptism as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace offered by God through Jesus. In baptism, God claims us as beloved children and members of Christ’s body, the church, washing us clean from sin as we renounce the power of evil and seek the will and way of God.

We do not think that baptism is a magical, “hell-fire insurance policy”, rather it is a covenant of love between God and an individual that draws on the promises of God conveyed in Scripture. (“I will be your God and you will be my people”) God made covenants with Noah and Abraham (Genesis 9.11 and 12.1-3) and Moses (Exodus19-24) and Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River (Matt. 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22; John 1:29–34).

What happens at a baptism?

While pouring or sprinkling water upon the head is most common, baptism by immersion is also valid. Whatever the method, baptism reminds us of the lavish outpouring of God’s grace, filling new believers with the gifts of the Spirit, and overflowing into lives of faithfulness, service, and love.

A pastor always presides at the baptism, because they're responsible for the sacraments in a Presbyterian community but it is the Session (the church council), representing the congregation, who authorizes baptisms and provides for the further spiritual growth and nurture of members.

Can I be baptized privately?

Baptism is a joyous public affirmation of what God is doing in our lives. That’s why Presbyterian baptism is always accompanied by the proclamation of the Word in the context of public worship, generally on Sunday.

Weddings

We would be delighted to help you solemnize your wedding at Kenmore Presbyterian Church, whether you are gay, straight, transgendered or nonbinary. We look forward to working with you, and walking with you towards this great adventure called ‘marriage’!

In order to reserve your wedding here, we request that you make an appointment with Pastor Fred, fill out a wedding information form, as well as provide a $300 deposit to hold the sanctuary for your requested day/time. Dates/times are not guaranteed until the deposit is made.

This deposit is fully refundable up until 3 months from your wedding day. Final payment must be made 2 months prior to the wedding day, and we will send you a payment confirmation and receipt showing all payments at that time.

Once we have received this signed, completed form and deposit, our next step is helping you plan for your wedding and your marriage. You may request a list of vendors from the Pastor’s Office including musicians, florists, etc., that might help you with these aspects of your wedding.

Upon request, we can also provide:

• A checklist for both fiancé(e)s detailing all things that need to be done 6 months out, up to the day of the wedding.
• Information on obtaining an New York marriage license application.

It is the responsibility of the couple to obtain this application at least a week before the wedding date.

Funerals

Dealing with the death of a loved one is certainly the most difficult part in anyone’s life and we want to walk with you in any way that will be helpful and healing. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Church Office even before the death occurs if that we can be of help and service.

Please note that there is never a charge by our pastor to conduct a funeral or memorial service whether in our sanctuary, at a funeral home of your choice or the gravesite/columbarium, though the musician and sexton do have fees for their services.

Presbyterian understanding of death and funerals is that death is a part of life and a “Service of Witness to the Resurrection” is first and foremost a service of worship that is strong affirmation of God’s love for us and our love for God through music, scripture, poetry and remembrance.

Pastor Fred Powell-Haig will be glad to guide you through this, take your suggestions and ideas, and help you arrange a service that honors God and your loved one.