BAPTISM AT WELLSHIRE

Baptism is one of the most significant parts of our worship. Believing that God claims us as God’s own before we choose God, at Wellshire, we baptize infants, children, youth, and adults. In all baptisms, God is at work in the life of the one being baptized, assuring us of our cleansing from sin, our participation in Christ’s death and resurrection, and our welcome into the household of God.  Baptisms are performed during either Sunday morning worship service, involving the entire congregation in the promises to participate in the Christian nurture and encouragement in the life of the baptized.

Youth and Adult Baptism

When a youth or adult is baptized, he or she is making a profession of faith claiming that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. Baptism is just the beginning of one’s faith journey. The community at Wellshire walks alongside people who make this significant step in life, helping them grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Youth who wish to be baptized are encouraged to participate in Wellshire’s Confirmation Program. If you would like to be baptized, please contact
Beth Hamstra or by calling 303-758-2233.  
To find out how to join Wellshire, click here.

 

Infant and Child Baptism

The baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. When a child is baptized, the parents make a profession of faith on behalf of their child. As the parents claim that Jesus is their Lord and Savior, they also make commitments to raise their child to know Jesus Christ.

 

The Wellshire community is committed to helping families as they teach their children about faith and a relationship with Jesus Christ. Wellshire provides age-appropriate and dynamic programs for children (link to children’s ministry) and youth (link to youth ministry) to encourage them to grow in their faith. Many of our children confirm their parents’ promises when they go through the confirmation process, usually during their 9th grade year. Click here to learn more information about Confirmation.

How do I schedule a baptism?

If you would like to have your child baptized, please contact Beth Hamstra to choose a date or to learn more information. All parents are required to meet with a pastor to learn about the theology of baptism as well as the details for the baptism day. Once you have chosen your date, you will receive a confirmation phone call from Beth. We look forward to being a part of this significant event with your family.

 

MEMORIAL SERVICES
The Witness to the Resurrection

At the time of the death of a loved one, the church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve. Christians do not bear bereavement in isolation but are sustained by the power of the Spirit and the community of faith. It is our hope that in this difficult time we can assist you in arranging for a comforting and hope-filled service of witness to the resurrection.

When a death has occurred, the family should contact Pastor's Assistant to make arrangements for a memorial service. A Wellshire pastor will provide spiritual counseling and plan the Service of Witness to the Resurrection with the family.

As part of the ministry of love and hope that is offered those who grieve, a religious service of committal is available to Wellshire members, former members and their immediate families. The Pastor's Assistant can assist the family with these arrangements.

WEDDINGS

A wedding service at Wellshire is a service of Christian worship during which a man and a woman make a covenant with each other in the presence of God and a company of witnesses. A minister of Wellshire must officiate at all weddings at Wellshire. 
The following are the most frequently asked questions:

Question: Who do I need to meet with to plan the service?
Answer: The couple will initially make an appointment to meet with one of our pastors. If possible, you will meet with that pastor 2-3 times to plan the service. You will also need to meet with the Organist (or the Director of Music) to plan the music for the wedding service and once with our Wedding Coordinator.

Question: Do you require premarital counseling?
Answer: Premarital Counseling is highly recommended but is not required. You should discuss available options with the pastor at your initial meeting with him or her.

Question: Do you allow non-members to marry in the Sanctuary or Chapel?
Answer: Yes. However, a minister on staff at Wellshire must be available to officiate, and the order of worship and music for the service must be consistent with the Presbyterian tradition. Either the bride or the groom must be a professing Christian.

Question: I have a relative (or good friend) who is a pastor. Can he do the service?
Answer: Other ordained pastors may assist but a pastor on staff at Wellshire must officiate.

Question: Do you allow Wedding Directors?
Answer: Yes, we allow Wedding Directors to assist the couple, but they generally are unnecessary during the rehearsal and service. The wedding service itself is direction of the minister of the church. Wellshire also provides a trained Wedding Coordinator.

Question: My fiancé lives out of town and is not here often. What do I do?
Answer: Although less than ideal, we certainly have planned weddings via e-mail after an initial meeting with a pastor.

Question: Are there fees involved?
Answer: Yes. Please contact Beth Hamstra, Wellshire’s Wedding Coordinator, 303-758-2233 to get a list of current applicable fees.


 


 
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