Wedding

We are interested in talking with you about your wedding plans give us a call at
(905-845-3152) or email us at [email protected]  

Baptism

From the “Song of Faith” a faith statement of the United Church of Canada:

In grateful response to God’s abundant love, we bear in mind our integral connection to the earth and one another; we participate in God’s work of healing and mending creation. To point to the presence of the holy in the world, the church receives, consecrates, and shares visible signs of the grace of God. In company with the churches of the Reformed and Methodist traditions, we celebrate two sacraments as gifts of Christ: baptism and holy communion.  In these sacraments the ordinary things of life—water, bread, wine—point beyond themselves to God and God’s love, teaching us to be alert to the sacred in the midst of life. Before conscious thought or action on our part, we are born into the brokenness of this world. Before conscious thought or action on our part, we are surrounded by God’s redeeming love. Baptism by water in the name of the Holy Trinity is the means by which we are received, at any age, into the covenanted community of the church. It is the ritual that signifies our rebirth in faith and cleansing by the power of God. Baptism signifies the nurturing, sustaining, and transforming power of God’s love and our grateful response to that grace. We have an open table, and an open font. Communion and baptism are gifts of Christ that we are privileged to share.

The request for baptism normally comes from the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) of a child. You do not have to be a church member to request baptism.

We offer baptism with the sincere hope that it represents a step in the faith journey of your family, and we commit to making our church available as you and your child learn and grow, and walk in God’s ways.

In some cases, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of a child may not be seeking baptism, but would like some form of celebration. The minister can work with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to plan a “dedication/blessing” service that does not replace baptism.

Adults and older children may also request baptism. This request often represents a person’s desire to identify themselves as a person of faith.

The United Church of Canada recognizes the baptism of other Christian denominations, and we do not “re-baptize”. In some cases a person who was previously baptized may wish to re-affirm their baptism.

In the United Church of Canada, the practice is to receive a person into full church membership upon “confirmation” or an “adult profession of faith”. A person who wishes to join the church could be baptized and confirmed at the same service.

Adults and young people who wish to join the church normally take part in a “confirmation” or membership class.

The minister would normally meet with the parent(s)/guardian(s), or with the person asking to be baptized. It may be appropriate that those requesting baptism attend a class to learn more about Christian faith. The intent is to make the baptism a more significant and meaningful step in the spiritual journey. Pre-baptismal classes are based on United Church of Canada materials that reflect the theology and values of the Trinity congregation.

The normal setting for baptism is a Sunday worship service. Godparents, and other significant persons are often invited to stand with the family for the baptism.

There is no fee for baptism, dedication/blessing, or confirmation.

The minister may use their discretion with regard to baptism requests, and requests for “dedication/blessing” services. The Worship Committee has ultimate decision making responsibility on questions of schedule and appropriateness of requests.

The Worship Committee may schedule particular Sundays in the year for Baptism, such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Baptism of Jesus Sunday. There is also room for flexibility to meet the needs of people seeking baptism.

Funerals

If you need any information about funeral arrangements at Trinity, please call our church office at 905-845-3152 or email our secretary at [email protected]..