Ministry
Weddings
Matthew 19:4-6
Jesus said, “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one; so they are no longer two but one.”
It is always a privilege to share in a Wedding Celebration, especially in our Church Sanctuary. Scriptures are read and music is played, but the most important part of the service is the vows exchanged between the bride and the groom, a promise made before God and family and guests gathered together.
A Wedding Service is a celebration of the love that the couple share, but also a celebration of God’s gift of life
and of love. We thank God for the
love we share, a love that never ends.
Circle:
God’s Love Never Ends
Unity Candle:
Two Become One
Dove:
Holy Spirit
Iler Lodge Worship Services
Psalm 95:1,6
O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
As a congregation we reach out to shut-ins and other residents at Iler Lodge Long-Term Care Home in Essex. On the first Tuesday of every month, at 2pm we share in a Worship Service at the Lodge. We sing songs, read scripture and celebrate our faith together with residents of all denominations.
Even though some may be unable to participate, they still appreciate the music, the prayers, our love, and our support. Special thanks to all those who carry on this caring ministry!
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart,,
for they will see God.”
Holy Baptism
Matthew 10:13-18
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me… And he took them in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
When we share in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, we celebrate God’s great love in giving us life! Parents promise to share their faith with their child and the people promise to pray for and support the child. In the United Church, we share in the Sacrament with the entire congregation. It is a celebration for all of us, and a reminder that we are all God’s children. God loves us all! Baptism is available for anyone of any age.
Water:
New Life
Dove:
Holy Spirit
Candle:
Follower of Jesus
Hospital Visitation
Matthew 25:35-36
Jesus said, “Blessed are you: for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
One of our Outreach Ministries is to visit those who are ill and in the hospital. It is important for those in hospital or those at home to know that they are still part of our Church Family. We love them and pray for them and visit them. Our Pastor is also available to serve Holy Communion if requested. We also have a Prayer Request List and each Sunday we pray for those in hospital, those at home, those who have lost loved ones, and all of God’s children around the world. Our United Church Women also send cards, visit and keep in touch with those who are ill or at home.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful,
for they will receive mercy.”
Memorial Services
John 11:25-26
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever believes in me shall never die.”
We gather together to remember our loved ones. We celebrate their lives and their love, and we give God thanks! We share our precious memories and take time to honour those we love and will always remember. It is also a special time for us to celebrate our faith! Jesus promised us in John 14 that He would go and prepare a place for us in the life after this life. He promised that He would guide us through this life and welcome us all home to heaven one day. He also promised us perfect peace. When we share together at Memorial Services our faith is strengthened and we find that peace that we all seek.
Holy Communion
Matthew 26:26-29
Jesus gave them a new covenant:
While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
Jesus initiated the Sacrament of
Holy Communion when He met with his followers in the Upper Room on the evening before his death. He gave his disciples a new
commandment: TO LOVE ONE
ANOTHER, and a new covenant: A PROMISE TO BE WITH THEM ALWAYS. On that first Maundy Thursday He gave thanks and blessed the bread and the wine and shared it with his followers saying, “DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” When we gather around the Lord’s Table we remember Jesus and
His great sacrifice for us and His
promise to love us always. We share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion several times throughout the year. When we share together, we draw closer to God and to each other.
Bread:
The Body of Christ
Wine:
The Blood of Christ
Bethel-Maidstone United Church
