Our Sacraments and Policies
Weddings
Greetings and congratulations from Harmony United Church. As per Harmony’s Inclusivity Statement, everyone, regardless of age, gender identity, gender expression, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, life experience, religious or ethnic background, economic circumstance -- and others we have yet to discern, are welcome to participate in the rite of marriage.
We are pleased that you have chosen to celebrate your marriage in the context of the Christian faith. We hope and pray that you will find love and joy in your life together. The information provided concerns the policy and expectation of our Church. While we invite you to celebrate your marriage within the church buildings this policy applies whether the marriage takes place within the church buildings or off-site.
The marriage service is first of all a Service of Christian Worship and this should be kept in mind when choosing music and readings and when planning the worship. Both music and readings must be discussed with the minister.
The first step in arranging a marriage is to consult the Minister regarding the date and the hour you have in mind. All requests for marriage need the blessings of the Worship Committee. Please do not extend invitations or make arrangements regarding the time and date before this has been confirmed with the Minister. Should you wish to have a second Minister or Priest assist in the marriage ceremony the Minister of Harmony United will invite that person on your behalf.
License
The marriage license may be obtained at 15 Kings Square North (Service New Brunswick). Telephone number is 658-2500. Outside Saint John call 506-453-2385 for the nearest office. Please bring the license to the Minister at least two weeks before the wedding, so that the documents can be prepared. THERE IS A FEE.
Music
The marriage is a Christian service of worship, and the music is to be appropriate. All music, either vocal or instrumental, must meet the approval of the organist and the minister. It is understood that the regular church organist will preside at the organ. If you wish to bring in another musician please consult with the minister.
Decorations
We realize your day is special, and that it may be necessary to move some of the furnishings within the Church sanctuary to accommodate the service. We ask your consideration in ensuring that whatever has been altered be put back in place immediately following the marriage service. If you plan on leaving flowers for the Sunday Worship, please notify the minister so that your gift can be recognized. Pew markers are to be attached with masking tape.
Photographer/Video
Since the marriage is a Christian service of worship, distractions should be kept to a minimum.
Photographers are asked to discuss the guidelines with the officiating clergy. The general rule is that pictures may be taken by those gathered for the wedding during the Processional, Signing of Register and Recessional. The marriage may also be recorded on Video if the video camera is stationary.
Fees and Honorariums
Harmony United: The church building - $200.00 and at off-site location- $100.00
This fee is payable either by cheque to Harmony United or by e-transfer via your personal bank account to the email harmonydonation@gmail.com and use the password donation (lower case).
Organist - $150.00; Minister Honorarium - $300.00 on site or offsite; These fees may be waived on the ability to pay.
The fees/honorariums should be placed in envelopes indicating the persons for whom they are intended and paid at the rehearsal or before.
We the Worship Committee want to offer you all the support we can. If there is anything we can do to help in your marriage preparations, or in your life as a married couple, please contact our minister. If you have any concerns or questions about the policies or information outlined in this policy, please contact us immediately.
May you know the blessing of God’s love to be with you always.
Approved by the Worship Committee, Harmony United Church, June 12, 2019
Baptisms
Baptism is a sacramental act that uses water as the symbol of Spirit’s presence. Through baptism, the church proclaims that we are all beloved of God. The United Church offers baptism to all ages. We believe the gift of God's love doesn't depend on our ability to understand it, so we baptize people as infants right up through adulthood. With children, instruction is given to parents or sponsors to equip them for their child's Christian nurture. During the ceremony, which usually takes place as part of a regular worship service, everyone in the congregation pledges support for the child/children and their parents. Adult candidates for baptism will also be invited to attend adult confirmation instruction.
For more information, please contact our church office at 506-696-3773 or harmonyunitedchurch@gmail.com
Funerals
The United Church of Canada statement of faith, entitled A New Creed, offers these words: “In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.” All of us will experience the passing of acquaintances, close friends and family members. Our ministers and congregation will support you as you grieve and come to terms with the many changes that occur after a death.
Harmony United Church is here to assist you in honouring your loved one and in celebrating the love of God. These pastoral services are an important part of our church's ministry and they are available to all members of the community regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, family status or economic status. We strive to be sensitive to other faith traditions when friends and family members are from outside the church. We are a Christian congregation, and this fact will be reflected in the services offered. If the deceased or his/her family would like other clergy (minister, priest, rabbi, imam, etc.) to be invited to participate in a funeral or memorial service, such requests should be discussed with the officiating Minister, who can then extend an invitation to the relevant clergy.
Because Harmony United Church understands a Christian funeral/memorial service as the natural extension and completion of a life of faith, we encourage individuals and families to consider holding these faith celebrations within the Sanctuary. Our ministers, however, will also consider requests to officiate at, or otherwise participate in, funeral and memorial services held in funeral-home chapels and other appropriate locations.
For more information please contact our church office at 506-696-3773 or harmonyunitedchurch@gmail.com