Baptism and Weddings
– Baptism –
[Baptism Registration Form]
[Form for Infant Baptism and Dedication]
// Overview
The Evangelical Covenant Church perspective is that infant and adult baptisms are considered sacraments, as is communion. This sacrament is a sign or symbol that points beyond itself to the gracious work of God in the one being baptized.Others have defined the term sacrament as a sacred action, a means of grace by which the message of the Gospel is brought forth into an individual life, or more simply put, a visible sign of an invisible grace. To learn more about Baptism in the Covenant Church, [click here].
// Infant Baptism
Infant baptism signifies the initial acknowledgment of God’s grace in the life of a child. By the grace of God the child has been created and will be sustained in the future. This grace includes the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. Though the child is entering into this community, it is assumed that the Holy Spirit is not yet fully appropriated in the life of a child. Later in life, through the spiritual nurture of parents and the church family, the hope is for the child to personally own their faith in Christ by way of public confirmation. This is essential since baptism does not save a person. The Bible, in New Testament mentions household baptisms, which assumes infant baptism [Acts 16:15, 33, 1 Cor 1:16].
// Infant Dedication
Infant dedication differs from infant baptism for the focus is on the parents making a public profession before the body of believers and God that they will do their part to raise their child up to believe and follow in the ways of the Jesus. Like infant baptism, there is a hope for personal ownership of faith in Christ at a later age. The church body is challenged with the same expectation of supporting the child in their spiritual growth process. This tradition stems from the actions of Mary and Joseph, who brought Jesus to the temple to be consecrated or dedicated to God, based on the Jewish law [Luke 2:22].
// Believer Baptism
Believer baptized, by a child, student or adult, is an act of obedience after receiving salvation by faith in Christ. Baptism acknowledges the grace given to one through the death of Jesus Christ, while the act of being immersed in water provides a metaphor of one’s conversion [Col. 2:12]. It is an outward expression of an inward faith and does not save or enhance once status before God. When going down into the water it signifies our old life going down into the grave and being buried with Christ in his death. Rising out of the water signifies being raised with Christ in his resurrection and entering into a new life. In the Bible, the word for baptism means to plunge, dip and immerse. Jesus taught that one of the marks of a follower of Christ is that they will be baptized [Matthew 28:19]. The pattern revealed in the New Testament is that those who give a believable profession of faith should be baptized [Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:14, 8:12, 10:47-48, Rom. 6:3-4, Gal. 3:27]. PCC will affirm and give individuals the opportunity to confirm their infant baptism as adult believers if they so choose.
// Interested in a baptism or dedication?
Dedications and Baptisms are held on a quarterly basis. Licensed Covenant ministers, are willing to administer any of these without persuading you in a particular manner.
[Baptism Registration Form]
[Form for Infant Baptism and Dedication]
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– Weddings –
// Overview
At PCC, we believe that a man and a woman are designed to come together in marriage to reflect the full image of God’s loving character. Although a wedding ceremony before God is key to living out His purpose, we value even more the prior preparation and endless investment post the wedding day. Consequently, below you will find our suggested process for making your marriage thrive:
// Pre-Engagement
Though it might lessen the engagement surprise, the goal here is to lessen the potential for a total derailment once each have jumped on the engagement train.
Duration: at least 3 months
Meet with a Pastor: 2-3 Sessions
Process includes: Prayer, Purity, Practical Inventory Tools
// Pre-Marital
The goal is to clarify the essentials of marriage and connect you with a coach and community of other premarital couples to help you integrate what you are learning. Time with marriage coaches will be done one-on-one and/or in community with other premarital. The focus of the coaching sessions will include an emphasis on the application of the 5 nutrients of marriage (Commit to Love, Cherish & Respect, Be Gracious & Forgive, Choose the Right Words, Seek His Power & Purpose).
Duration: 6 months
Meet with a Pastor: 3 Sessions (Prepare Inventory, Purpose of Marriage, Spiritually, Money, Sex)
Meet with a Marriage Coach: 3 Sessions (focused on the key nutrients of marriage)
Process includes: “Maximizing Your Marriage” seminar and/or “A Weekend to Remember” conference
// Resources
Wedding
< Available to regular attenders, members of PCC, or as approved by a PCC Pastor. Must be
scheduled through Event Coordinator at cherylL@peninsulacovenant.com and in
conjunction with a PCC Pastor.
Marriage Enrichment
< The goal of is to breakthrough the issues that are limiting a marriage from thriving. Along with
recommend specific therapists and seminars offered throughout the area, couples have the
opportunity to meet one-on-one with a PCC trained and experienced marriage coach.
Marriage Reparation
< The goal this is to restore the covenant of marriage that has been broken or severely damaged.
Along with recommend specific therapists and seminars offered throughout the area, couples
have to opportunity to meet one-on-one with a PCC trained and experienced marriage coach,
who have weathered and survived these similar issues.