Weddings and Memorials

Weddings

In the Presbyterian Church, a wedding is a service of worship where God is glorified, the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed, marriage vows are made, and prayers are offered for the couple, the community, and the world. The opening of the wedding service serves to welcome all into God’s presence, to frame this celebratory occasion as a worship service, and to offer a Christian view of marriage.

Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. The sacrificial love that unites the couple also sustains them through the many joys and sorrows they will encounter in their journey together. In the Reformed tradition, marriage is a covenant in which God is at the center; therefore, God’s deep and abiding love for the couple being married will also sustain them throughout their lives.

Because we, as Christians, understand marriage as one area of life in which people live out their faith, a Christian marriage ceremony involves the reading and proclamation of Scripture. This links the couple’s story to the story of God and God’s people. It speaks of God’s faithfulness as an example for human faithfulness. The vows made on this special day are publicly witnessed by the gathered community. When the couple is prayed for, this too bears witness to God’s faithfulness even as we give thanks for the grace of Jesus Christ and ask the blessing of the Holy Spirit to uphold the couple in marriage.

Please contact our Pastor, Rev. Ann Conklin, to inquire about having your wedding at First Presbyterian Church. She will want to meet with you to learn more about your lives and faith, to discuss your desires for your wedding, and to provide information about pre-marital counseling sessions. We wish you God’s every blessing upon your wedding planning and marriage!

Memorial Services and Funerals

In the Presbyterian church, a memorial service or funeral is known as a “Service of Witness to the Resurrection” because it bears witness to the hope that we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this time of worship, we remember, honor, and celebrate the life of the deceased. One of our pastors meets with the family or other loved ones to ensure that the service is personalized and contains elements that are meaningful to the one being remembered, such as special readings, prayers, hymns, or other music. Our pastors also offer pastoral support and care during this difficult time of grieving.

The Service of Witness to the Resurrection is characterized by simplicity, dignity, and gratitude. During this time of worship, we give thanks and praise to God for the gift of life even as we seek God’s comfort in a time of loss and grief. As we gather for this important time of remembrance, our prayer is that you will find solace in the presence of God and loved ones, experience the hope of the gospel, and find closure as we commend the deceased into God’s everlasting peace and eternal rest.

The service may take place in our sanctuary or our chapel. Graveside services are also sometimes conducted at a local cemetery. Please contact our pastor, Rev. Ann Conklin, to discuss a service for your loved one. May God’s loving presence surround and comfort you during this difficult time of loss.

Please contact Pastor Ann at aconklin@fpcsb.org | 805.687.0754