Rites of Passage
Baptism, Wedding, and Funerals
Baptism
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” ~ Galatians 3: 28
Baptism is a visible sign of God’s love. Baptism signifies: the faithfulness of God, the washing away of sin, rebirth, adoption into the covenant family of the church, and resurrection and new life in Christ
For both children and adults, the sacrament is celebrated as part of Sunday worship.
Contact the Pastor or Church office for more information.
Download Baptism Forms: Information and Permission
Learn more about what Presbyterians believe about baptisms
Weddings and Christian Marriage
“Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the well-being of the entire human family. Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman, to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple sustains them as faithful and responsible members of the church and the wider community. In civil law, marriage is a contract that recognizes the rights and obligations of the married couple. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is also a covenant in which God has an active part, and the community of faith publicly witnesses and acknowledges.” -from The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Southminster welcomes you to plan your wedding here. We invite couples seeking a Christian ceremony, both members and non-members, to have their ceremony in our sanctuary and outdoor chapel. The marriage ceremony in this church is an act of Christian worship, a service in which two people make a covenant before God and the community of faith, family, and friends. By coming to the church for your wedding, you are saying that you want this joyful and sacred ceremony and that your life together will be lived in the presence of God.
Contact the Pastor regarding pre-marital counseling and on-campus and off-campus weddings.
There are no rental costs for church members. Click here to see Rental information for non-members. Please note, per the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA), W-4.06, the church council (session of elders) must approve all weddings on the Southminster campus.
Learn more about Weddings at Southminster.
Funerals & Memorial Services
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life…whoever believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25)
“His loved ones are very precious to Him….” (Psalm 116:15)
“And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also.” (John 14:3)
A funeral at Southminster Presbyterian Church is worship of the living God. The funeral is God’s way of bringing comfort to the hearts of those who mourn as Scripture is read and preached, prayer is offered, praises are sung, grief is expressed, remembrance is cherished, and faith affirmed. The presence of family and friends around at this time supports and strengthens those who grieve. The funeral gives thanks for the life of the one who has passed away and thanks to the God who holds our beloved in everlasting arms.
Contact the pastor about planning and conducting services on-campus and off-campus.
Learn more about Funerals & Memorial Services at Southminster