Trinity-St. Stephen's United Church

Sacraments & Marriages

Sacrament of Baptism
	Baptism celebrates God's initiative and our response.  Baptism is a sacrament, which is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given by God.  It symbolizes initiation into the body of Christ represented by a congregation. These are celebrated on designated Sundays during the church year and in the context of our regular worship services.

Communion is celebrated several times during the church year at our worship services.  Everyone, including children, is welcome to share in this communal meal together.  Sometimes we serve the cup and bread by passing it through the pews; other times you are invited to come forward as a sign of commitment to following Christ.

Marriages
	We want to help you prepare for both your wedding and marriage.  We hope that your wedding day, and your continuing relationship will be blessed by God, and filled with love, joy and meaning.    This is what we believe in about the Covenant of Marriage:   "For Christians, our relationship with God and with each other is rooted in our understanding of covenant.  We know God as faithful, loving, compassionate and just.  We are called to embody this in our own relationship with each other.   Relationships cannot thrive and grow in isolation.  They need the encouragement, nurture, support and accountability of community.  Thus, Convenants of Marriage are public.  In the church we celebrate such covenants in the context of public worship of God." (from "Celebrate God's Presence: A Book of Services")