Baptism
The wording of the baptism service (sometimes called 'Christening') assumes that one or both of the parents are practising Christians and already members of the local church. If this is not yet the case of those who request a service of baptism, we invite the parents to begin attending Christ Church and to participate in our next introductory course exploring the basis of the Christian faith.
The baptism service takes place within the normal Sunday morning service so that the Church family can share in the promises made with the parents and godparents to bring the child up within the Christian faith. If you would like more information on either please contact the Parish Administrator.
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Marriage Guidelines at Christ Church
What is Christian Marriage?
“Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God” (BCP 422). “Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God” (BCP 423). “In Christian marriage, the woman and man 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” (BCP 861). Any marriage performed in this Church must be in accord with the laws of the State of Maine, the canons of the Episcopal Church and this Diocese and the customary of this parish.
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What are the “legal requirements” of the Church?
1. All marriages solemnized in this Church must be contracted according to the laws of the State of Maine. The marriage license must be presented to the priest at the wedding rehearsal.
2. The marriage shall be between a man and a woman. It must be entered into within the community of faith. The intent of both parties must be for a lifelong commitment to each other in marriage.
3. It is the duty of the priest to determine that both parties consent to the marriage of their own free will.
4. At least one of the parties to be married must be a baptized Christian.
5. It is the duty of the priest to provide instruction for the couple regarding the nature of Christian marriage.
6. There must be a least two witnesses to the solemnization of the marriage.
7. All pertinent data regarding the marriage must be recorded in the Parish Register.
8. Both parties must sign the following Declaration of Intention: We, desiring to receive the blessing of Holy Matrimony in the Church, do solemnly declare that we hold marriage to be a lifelong union of husband and wife as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.
9. “It shall be within the discretion of any Minister of this Church to decline to solemnize any marriage.” (Title I Canon 18 Sec. 4. Const. and Canons.)
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What kind of pre-marital instruction is required?
A Clergy person will meet with the couple a minimum of five times prior to the wedding for counseling and instruction. These sessions will last approximately 60 minutes each and will cover topics of finance, intimacy, communication, family and children. Also, the priest will help to instruct the couple about the nature of vows, commitment and covenant which exist in marriage.
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How much lead-time is required?
Six months’ notice must be given prior to a wedding.
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Can a wedding take place at any time during the year?
Weddings are not celebrated during Advent, Lent and Holy Week, as theses are times of preparation in heart and mind for the events of the birth, passion, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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What will the Wedding Service look like?
The only form of marriage service permitted is that provided in the Book of Common Prayer. Any variations or additions to that service must conform to the rubrics of the rite. It is the normal practice of Christ Church that weddings take place inside the church building.
The rector will conduct the wedding rehearsal, scheduled to take place prior to the rehearsal dinner.
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What about music for the wedding?
Since music is such an important part of Christian Worship and the wedding liturgy, the rector, as in all other matters of liturgy and worship, has final approval of all music played or sung in the Church. Further, as stated in the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, “Hymns referred to in the rubrics of the Book are to be understood as those authorized by this Church. The words of anthems are to be from Holy Scripture, or from this [Prayer] Book, or from texts congruent with them” (BCP p. 14). Thus, it is appropriate that the couple meet with the rector and the organist well ahead of time to choose appropriate music for the wedding service.
Outside musicians may participate in the ceremony, in discussion with the rector and organist.
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May we have our reception in the Church?
The parish hall is available for receptions. However, alcoholic beverages shall not be served on parish property.
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What about decorations in the Church?
Modest displays consisting of flowers, aisle runner, and pew markers may be used as provided by the couple to be married. Please consult the rector before making any such arrangements.
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What about clean up after the wedding?
Since most weddings are on Saturdays, it is expected that the wedding party will remain and tidy up the church for Sunday Worship. Please help us in keeping the parish clean and orderly. Please remove all flowers and decorations immediately following the service. Please do not throw birdseed or rice either in or outside the church.
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What about the Rehearsal?
The rehearsal normally takes place the evening before the wedding. Please be sure to bring your valid marriage license to the rehearsal; otherwise, we will not proceed.
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Who will provide the bulletin or service sheets?
The wedding couple design and print their own bulletins, in conversation with the priest. Various examples will be provided.
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What about Photography?
It is our custom that no photographs are taken during a worship service. Ample time for photographs will be provided either before or after the service. However, if you wish to videotape the wedding, it may be done from a discreet stationary position with the camera mounted on a tripod.
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Who may participate in the wedding?
Anyone the couple desires with the advice and final consent of the rector. It is especially important that the rector be informed very early in the process if the couple desires to invite clergy from outside this parish to assist.
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What about fees?
Honorariums, presented at the wedding rehearsal, are appropriate.
Make check out to:
Rector’s Discretionary Fund $250
Ms. Jody Clark – organist $150
Ms. Jody Clark – per extra rehearsal $75
Christ Church Altar Guild $50
Parish Hall – if needed $100
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Funerals Ceremonies
What do I do at the time of death?
At the time of death, family members will contact their funeral director. The director will remove the body of the deceased from home or hospital. Within 24 hours, family members meet with funeral director to make beginning arrangements.
The funeral will contact Christ Church to establish the time and location of the service. The clergy will next contact the family to set a time to work on the details of the funeral service.
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Shall I have the funeral at Christ Church or a funeral home?
Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church, but from time to time, some families prefer a service to held in a funeral home.
Our clergy will assist you in making decisions for a meaningful and appropriate service. In the Episcopal Church, a funeral is a celebration of resurrection. The order of Service as found in Book of Common Prayer shall be used. All pertinent details follow below.
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What clergy will lead the funeral?
The priest who has helped the family members prepare for the funeral is the appropriate priest to perform the burial rites. Guest clergy are invited from time to time to read the lessons, lead prayers, and/or preach. Your funeral director help arrange schedules.
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When does the grave side service, (burial) take place?
During warmer months, the burial takes place directly after the funeral service. During winter months, burial will be postponed until springtime.
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Service Bulletin:
The church office will provide bulletins. You may want in include:
A favorite scripture or poem, a word of thanks to a particular organization for care provide, directions and invitation to a reception, the choice of an organization chosen to receive contributions in memory of the deceased.
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What music may be used in the church?
There is a wealth of beautiful and appropriate sacred music that is suitable for use in the context of the Burial of the Dead. Hymns appropriate for the Burial of the Dead are: Click here for a list of hymns
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Readings from Scripture
With the Prayer Book as our guide, scriptures listed below shall be read during the funeral service. A deacon, priest, or bishop shall read the Gospel. Family and friends may read the other lessons. If a family member or friend would like to read a lesson, please take into careful consideration the emotional state of that person in respect to the deceased.
Click here for Scripture Selections
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Flowers at the Service
Less is more is the code that applies to flowers in church. Not all the floral sprays and decorations sent by family and friends will be displayed in the church. These should, more appropriately, be sent to a family member’s home or to the funeral home. A casket spray may accompany the casket to and from the church but will be removed and replaced with a funeral pall before entering the church. Your funeral director will bring various flowers from the funeral home to decorate both the church and the graveside service.
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Pall Bearers
The funeral director will explain the duties of the pallbearers, and assist with their selection.
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Ushers
Ushers will be provided by either the funeral home or Christ Church.
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Guest Book
A register for guests may be provided by your funeral home at your request.
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Receptions in the Parish Hall
The Parish Hall may be used for a reception following the funeral. If a reception is desired, check with the parish office to see if the room is available. Funding, set up, serving and clean up is the responsibility of the family. A hospitality group with in the parish may be able to assist. Please consult with your clergy person.
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