Sacred Ceremonies

As members of the historical Episcopal (Anglican) Church, we at Grace, recognize and seek to live into the traditional sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Matrimony passed down to us as “outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace”… as well as other sacred ceremonies such as Funerals, during which we not only memorialize those who have died but also boldly proclaim Jesus' promise of a Resurrected life out of death.



We work as individuals and as a parish through our various worship services, Bible Studies, teaching series and discussion groups to more deeply understand the purpose, theology and Biblical perspective from which all these sacred ceremonies stem. 


It is our hope at Grace that through the Holy Spirit, these sacred moments will help us grow in Christ, not only as his witnesses to the world, but as those who walk together in joy and sorrow as a loving family. We welcome all those who would join with us in the fellowship and faith of Jesus Christ. 



Pastor Charlie Hamill conducting a Child Baptism ceremony
Pastor Ellendale Hoffman conducting a Child Baptism ceremony with surrounding family

The blessed bedlam of a Baptism warms the congregation's heart


Pastor Charlie Hamill conducting an Infant Baptism ceremony


Adult Baptisms are also celebrated at Grace Church:


Pastor Charlie Hamill conducting an Adult Baptism ceremony with surrounding assistance

"And now what are you waiting for?

Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." 

 

Acts 22:16 (NIV)



Bishop Laura Ahrens conducting Youth Confirmation ceremony


"May the kindness of the Lord our God be upon us;

And confirm for us the work of our hands;

Yes, confirm the work of our hands."


Psalm 90:17 (NASB)



A bride and groom hold hands in front of Pastor Charlie, beside some lit candles, during a church wedding ceremony
A newly married husband & wife cut a frosted sheet cake together, at a table covered with a green cloth.
A bride and groom pose outside the stone church entrance, bride in a flowing white gown and groom in a black tuxedo
A bride rests her head on her new husband's back, while standing outdoors in her gown & veil, displaying her wedding ring

"So God created mankind in his own image,
  in the image of God he created them;
  male and female he created them.
 
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)





The Pastor kneels in white robes outdoors, placing soil & ashes into a grave during a burial in the church's Memorial Garden


"We are of good courage

and prefer rather to be absent from the body

and to be at home with the Lord."


  2 Corinthians 5:8 (NASB)