WORSHIP & COMMUNITY LIFE

Worship

Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. is a special time in our life when the whole congregation gathers to worship and praise God. Chidren are welcome and there is a pastoral message just for them. We have a multimedia presentation that enhances our worship experience. At the present time we are looking for people who would like to be a part of a band. We have a drum and a guitar player. A modern, well-equipped and supervised nursery is provided for those 7 and under. After worship everyone is invited downstairs for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Throughout the year special celebrations are a part of our tradition. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and our beautiful, live Lily Cross on Easter are memorable. We celebrate Earth Day, Blessing of the Pets, Memorial Day, Old Fashion Sunday, Mother's and Father's Day, Valentine's Day, Advent & Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, Maundy Thursday, Pentecost, Native American Sunday, All Saints Day, a Healing Service and other special days during the calendar year.

Baptism

In the United Church of Christ people are baptized either as children, youth or adults. When an infant or young child is baptized, one or both parents and/or one or more sponsors promise to assume responsibility for Christian nuture of the baptized child. One of the parents or sponsors should be a member in good standing of a Christian church. Those who are baptized at an early age are given an opportunity in their youth to make a personal confession of faith through confirmation. Baptism is also a central celebration in the life of the local church, and for this reason, baptism should take place in the presence of the congregation during worship. Sprinkling, pouring and immersion are all methods of baptism. The U.C.C. also offers a service of dedication for children who are adopted or for times when parents want the child to make a personal decision about baptism.

Communion

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month and on special occasions. It is open to all ages. A special class about communion is offered every year for children in grades first through sixth. Anyone may attend. It is during this time that we talk about doing things wrong and asking for forgiveness. Our church uses intincture with grape juice and bread.

Weddings

Our church performs weddings for members and friends of the church. Contact the church office at least 4 - 6 months before the wedding date so that the pastor(s) can meet with the couple several times. The couple will be given a booklet with guidelines and be asked to design their own service with the help of the pastors

Funerals & Memorial Services

Funerals and memorial services are performed for those who have been members, or family of members, or friends of the community. When a person dies you can remember him/her with a memorial gift to the church. When a monetary gift is given an engraved plate with a person's name is placed on the Memorial Plaque, which is located in the narthex. If the memorial has been designated for the Memorial Garden, such as to be used for shrubs, plants, benches, or general upkeep, a dogwood flower is engraved on the left upper corner of the plate. During the service we are also able to provide a slide presentation of different times in a person's life.

Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden is located on the northside of the church. It is designed & started to have shape in the early 90's & continues to grow. Families are able to place/scatter ashes in the garden in memory of their beloved ones. A small fee is charge for interment & upkeep. There are 2 benches & a short pathway throughout the garden.

Prayer Garden

Three years ago our Kidz Klub group, along with several adults, designed a prayer Garden at the entrance of the White Lake Bike trail. 100s of plants & flowers, some of which were donated by Weesies, are growing there. There is a beautiful bench so that anyone who wants to stop & rest, can do so. If you would like to help care for this special place, contact the office.

Our Playground

At the back of our parking lot is a nice playground that can also be used by people using the bike trail. We have a skyfort, swingset, sandpile, basketball court & parking lot space to play.

Absolutely Everyone is Welcome!