Life Events

vestry statement

Our congregation is fully LBGTQ+ affirming. LGBTQ+ people are welcome to participate fully in our communal life, take on leadership positions, be married, and receive all the means of grace available to all community members.

Our church family shares each other’s joys and sorrows, celebrations and remembrances. We believe that the church is where life is lived, and we are here to support you in your life events.

Life transitions often lead us to find a sacramental way to acknowledge the changes in our lives. Some of these may include a wedding anniversary, the anniversary of a loved one who died, getting sober, coming back to church, the end of a marriage, a reconciliation, the adoption of a child, moving away, or any number of other transitions. We want to share these with you and support you. Contact office@saintaidans.org for information on how the church can be of service to you.

Baptism

Baptism is the joyous welcome into the body of Christ and the communion of the church. It is appropriate at any age, and the preparation required depends on the age of the candidate. We use the Baptismal Feasts of the Church to celebrate baptisms (The Great Vigil of Easter (the night before Easter Day), Pentecost, All Saints Sunday, and the Baptism of Our Lord (the first Sunday after January 6). Other arrangements can be made by contacting the clergy ahead of time.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a decision to belong and be involved in the local church. It is also appropriate during a season of spiritual renewal in your life. If you are coming alive in a new way, renewing faith or returning to church, a great way to explore and confirm that movement of the Holy Spirit is through the process of confirmation. Preparation, done in consultation with the clergy, is required. Confirmation is conferred by the Bishop, and every Easter season there is an opportunity to be confirmed at a regional ceremony.

Times of serious illness

A time of serious illness can be frightening, and the church is there to provide support in prayer and through Laying on of Hands and Holy Unction. Please call the church if you are in need of these sacraments.

Reconciliation/Confession

Reconciliation/confession can bring about renewal and transformation of life – the goal of all who follow Jesus. Sometimes, on that journey, we need to invite God in a specific way. This can include the rite of reconciliation. Clergy are available to discuss and offer this sacrament.

The Celebration of Marriage

The Celebration of Marriage is where two people enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. Marriage requires each couple to give at least 30 days notice to the clergy and for the couple to do premarital counseling. At least one of the parties must be baptized. In 2016, the vestry voted in favor of performing same-sex marriages. Couples may to use the traditional marriage rite in the Book of Common Prayer or “I Will Bless You, And You Will Be a Blessing” authorized by the 78th General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

Funerals

Funerals give us the opportunity to remember and commend to God those who have died. We encourage everyone to think about the end of life before getting there by doing some funeral planning. Our clergy welcomes the opportunity to sit down with you and your family to prepare.