Weddings at the Strathmore United Church

A church wedding is a religious ceremony in which two people have their marriage sanctified in the presence of God. It is also a civil ceremony and is recognised by law. Our minister is licensed by both the province and the church to perform the ceremony and to serve as a legal witness.

For Christians marriage is also a covenant through which two people are called to live together before God their lives of discipleship. The wedding service is publicly witnessed and acknowledged by the community of faith.

You do not need to be a member or a participant of this congregation in order to have your wedding here. The information provided in this brochure applies to weddings, covenant services, and renewal of marriage covenant vows.

We welcome you to our church and we welcome you to any of our services so we can get to know one another. We welcome your family, friends, and wedding party to our house of worship and pray your marriage will be a life-long celebration of love, commitment, respect, and faithfulness.

Do I have to be a member to have my child baptized at Strathmore United Church?

No, anyone who wishes to be baptized can request a baptism.
What's the difference between baptism, christening, and confirmation?

A child under the age of consent may be baptized at the request of his/her parent or guardian. When the child reaches the age of understanding, the child is invited to attend confirmation classes, to confirm his/her beliefs. Previously baptised adults may also request confirmation as an affirmation of their faith, or to enter into membership with the United Church. Christening is a ritual at which a child is named.
Does my child become a member of the United Church when he/she is baptized?

No, membership happens at the time of confirmation when your child has reached the age of consent. An adult who is baptised does become a member of the United Church at the time of baptism.
Can baptism happen anytime? Any place?

Baptisms are witnessed by a community of faith, and need to happen during a worship service. You may choose almost any Sunday that is best for you. Baptisms are not normally held during the liturgical seasons of Lent, Advent, or Christmas. These seasons are traditionally times of study and preparation.
Do I need to attend classes or receive special instruction before baptism?

Yes, it is important that the adults who care for a child understand the promises they are making on behalf of the child. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of a child who will be baptized are asked to meet with the minister to learn about the United Church of Canada, and Strathmore United Church. Adults requesting baptism will be asked to attend confirmation classes prior to being baptized.
Do I need to attend worship services?

You are invited to attend worship services at any time, whether or not you are considering baptism. We do ask that you attend worship prior to the baptism so that we can have a chance to get to know one another. Baptism is a ritual which welcomes the one being baptized into the family of God, as experienced through the life and work of this congregation. If you are requesting baptism, but have no intention of participating in the life and work of this congregation, we need to ask: Why are you requesting the baptism?

Do I have to be a member to have my child baptized at Strathmore United Church?

No, anyone who wishes to be baptized can request a baptism.
What's the difference between baptism, christening, and confirmation?

A child under the age of consent may be baptized at the request of his/her parent or guardian. When the child reaches the age of understanding, the child is invited to attend confirmation classes, to confirm his/her beliefs. Previously baptised adults may also request confirmation as an affirmation of their faith, or to enter into membership with the United Church. Christening is a ritual at which a child is named.
Does my child become a member of the United Church when he/she is baptized?

No, membership happens at the time of confirmation when your child has reached the age of consent. An adult who is baptised does become a member of the United Church at the time of baptism.
Can baptism happen anytime? Any place?

Baptisms are witnessed by a community of faith, and need to happen during a worship service. You may choose almost any Sunday that is best for you. Baptisms are not normally held during the liturgical seasons of Lent, Advent, or Christmas. These seasons are traditionally times of study and preparation.
Do I need to attend classes or receive special instruction before baptism?

Yes, it is important that the adults who care for a child understand the promises they are making on behalf of the child. The parent(s) or guardian(s) of a child who will be baptized are asked to meet with the minister to learn about the United Church of Canada, and Strathmore United Church. Adults requesting baptism will be asked to attend confirmation classes prior to being baptized.
Do I need to attend worship services?

You are invited to attend worship services at any time, whether or not you are considering baptism. We do ask that you attend worship prior to the baptism so that we can have a chance to get to know one another. Baptism is a ritual which welcomes the one being baptized into the family of God, as experienced through the life and work of this congregation. If you are requesting baptism, but have no intention of participating in the life and work of this congregation, we need to ask: Why are you requesting the baptism?