Guidelines - The Baptismal Covenant
United Methodists acknowledge two sacraments whose observance was commended by Christ: baptism and Holy Communion. John Wesley, drawing on the tradition of the Church of England, defined sacraments as follows: “Sacraments ordained of Christ as not only badges or tokens of (our) Christian profession, but rather they are signs of grace, and God’s good will toward us, by which he doth work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also strengthen and confirm, our faith in him.” Today this statement is found in the “Articles of Religion” which are included in The Book of Discipline
For United Methodists, sacraments are not merely re-enactments of a past event, although through participation in the sacramental life of the church, Christians do recall Christ’s actions in the past, witness it again for themselves, and proclaim it to the world. In this way sacraments point to God’s redemptive act in Jesus Christ and serve as a means by which God’s grace may come into our lives. It is through these ordinary elements – water and bread and wine – that God’s love is expressed to us as prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace, so that we may be strengthened and brought to the fullness of God’s perfection.
The United Methodist Book of Worship states, “Baptism is an act that looks back with gratitude on what God’s grace has already accomplished, it is here and now an act of God’s grace, and it looks forward to what God’s grace will accomplish in the future. While baptism signifies the whole working of God’s grace, much that it signifies from the washing away of sin to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, will need to happen during the course of a lifetime.” (pgs 81-82)
The standards and policies for baptism at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church are:
United Methodist Baptism:
Persons of any age are candidates for baptism.
Any Christian means of baptism may be used including: sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Candidates or their parents are to make their desires known to the pastor who will work with them and the congregation to honor such requests.
Baptism is a means by which we are initiated into Christ’s body the Church and become members of Christ’s family.
While we affirm infant baptism, we do not believe that infants who die unbaptized are denied salvation. We accept that God’s grace is available to all and is sufficient for such children.
We do, however, believe in the human bent to sin (the abuse of free will in which we choose our own desires over the will of God) and believe that, over time, through baptism and the working of the Holy Spirit, God’s grace washes away such sinful desires.
Rebaptism and Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant:
As baptism is a covenant with God and God’s promises are never broken, we do not practice any form of rebaptism in the United Methodist Church.
Persons wishing to renew their baptismal promises may make arrangements with the pastor for a Renewal of the Covenant of Baptism. This service may also be offered to the entire congregation during the course of the year at any time deemed appropriate. It should be noted that the entire congregation renews their baptismal vows and offers thanks for the blessing of God’s grace through their own baptism at every Service of the Covenant of Baptism.
The Service:
The basic service of the Baptismal Covenant is Holy Baptism, found in the United Methodist Hymnal and the Book of Worship, is the order of service to be used at Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
The Service of the Covenant of Baptism is to take place during a regular congregational worship service as a Response to the Word. Appropriate scriptures, songs, and other readings may be used to fully express the significance of the event in the life of the individual and the church.
In cases where baptism of an infant, child, youth, or adult is performed in an emergency setting, the candidate should, if possible, be presented to the congregation at the earliest possible time. Special emphasis may be given to the baptism. Use of the Reaffirmation of Baptism Service is recommended.
Creative elements of the Service of Baptism:/h3>
All decisions regarding the Service of the Covenant of Baptism are to be made by the pastor.
The service is at all times to express the importance of the sacrament to the individual and to Christ’s church.
Special flowers or the placement of a rosebud in the sanctuary in honor of the occasion are always appropriate. In is not appropriate to allow the number or size of floral arrangements to become status symbols.
Water, shells, and other symbols of baptism may be used through the service in ways that encourage a deeper understanding of the meaning of the sacrament – including, but not limited to, the suggestions made in the United Methodist Book of Worship.
The infant, child, your, or adult may be presented to the congregation in ways that are suitable. Infants may be lifted or carried in the aisle to meet their new family members in Christ. Older children and adults may face the congregation and be welcomed with appropriate signs of greeting.
A Certificate of Baptism will be presented to the parents or individual at the time of the baptism. The pastor/secretary will assure that this information is added to the church records.
Scheduling a Service of Baptism:
All arrangements for baptism are to be made with the pastor in charge who has the sole authority to make these arrangements.
The pastor will set the date with the adult or with the family of the infant, child, or youth and may determine if more than one baptism will be scheduled on a given Sunday. Care will be given to honor the needs of the families while also giving attention to appropriateness in relation to the Christian year.
If there is a request for another clergy member to participate in the service, such requests are to be directed to the pastor in charge who has the sole authority to approve or deny such requests.
Parents of children who are unable to speak for themselves and who are being baptized do not need to be members of this or any church, it is expected that one parent will be Christian.
Although we will baptize all those who earnestly seek to draw closer to God through this means of grace, we do not practice indiscriminate baptism and, except in unusual case, it is expected that those to be baptized will live in the community or area surrounding the church and be able to attend service, participate in Sunday School, and attend other church classes and programs, regularly.
Interviews and counseling sessions, that teach the significance of baptism to the parents or candidates able to speak for themselves, will be arranged by the pastor. At least one session is required before a baptism.
When both parents of an infant, child or youth are Christian, sponsors, (sometimes referred to as godparents) are not required. If there are to be sponsors, they are to be baptized Christians who fully understand the importance of continuing education in the Christian faith for the spiritual and religious development of the childe and are willing to take on their share in this responsibility.
Adults who are baptized may select a sponsor to support them at the time of their baptism and as they continue to grow in their Christian faith. It is suggested that this sponsor be an individual who has offered encouragement to the baptismal candidate during their faith development. The sponsor must be a baptized Christian.
Infants, children and youth who are baptized are to be placed on the preparatory membership rolls of the church. Adults are accepted into full membership at the time of their baptism and are to be placed on the rolls as members by Affirmation of Faith.
Photographs:
Because Baptism is conducted during a Sunday Service of Worship, it is expected that those who wish to take pictures will be discrete and refrain from standing or walking near the front of the church. Following the service, the pastor and others involved in the baptism will be available to those who want to take pictures.
Fees:
There is no fee for Baptism.
Those who wish to express their appreciation for God’s blessing of grace received through the sacrament may make a contribution to the Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
The Service of Death and Resurrection or Memorial Service
The Service of Death and Resurrection is first and foremost a service of Christian worship and may include the funeral when the body of the deceased is present. It is also appropriate in situations where the remains of the deceased have been cremated or for a Memorial Service.
In light of these understandings, the standards for the Service of Death and Resurrection are as follows:
The Service:
The Service of Death and Resurrection is not primarily meant as a tribute to the dead, nor is it primarily concerned with comforting the bereaved. As a service of Christian worship, it is a time during which the faith of the Church in the love and mercy of God is affirmed.
The death of a member of the Church is to be reported to the pastor as soon as possible. Arrangements for the service, the organist, and the organization of refreshments or for a luncheon following the service are to be made in consultation with the pastor.
The Service of Death and Resurrection should be held as soon as possible. In the case of a Memorial Service, any reasonable time following death and burial/cremation is acceptable.
Services of Death and Resurrection of all people of the congregation should be held in the church whenever possible. The order of worship found in the United Methodist Hymnal and the Book of Worship should be used as the basic outline. Appropriate scriptures, songs, hymns, and other readings may be used to meet the needs of the occasion.
The casket is to be placed at the entrance to the chancel and is to remain closed throughout the service. A suitable picture or pictures may be displayed at any service. The casket should be covered with a pall whenever possible. A single floral arrangement may also be placed on the casket. In cases of a Memorial Service, arrangements for the display of an urn or other container for ashes are to be made with the pastor.
Eulogies and lengthy services are to be avoided. The service should be of reasonable length and always administered at every point with dignity. Participation in the service by a member or members of the family is appropriate. Such participation is subject to approval by the pastor.
Military Recognitions
When the deceased has a record of military service, the flag of our nation may be folded and placed on display near the casket. It may also be used as a covering for the casket at the cemetery committal service.
Lodge or Fraternal Recognitions
In rites of lodges or fraternal groups are requested by the family, such rites should be held at a time other than the public service conducted by the Church. Any such group requesting approval to conduct their services in the Church, must obtain permission from the pastor, who has full authority to approve or deny such requests.
Flowers and Memorials
The flower is a symbol to Christians of the Resurrection of the Lord. The use of flowers is entirely appropriate for a Service of Death and Resurrection. However, it is not appropriate to allow the number of floral pieces to become status symbols. The Church advises appropriate family arrangements. It is further recommended that, in lieu of flowers the family be advised to direct contributions to the Park Avenue Capital Campaign or Memorial Funds.
Other Recommendations
While not in the domain of the Park Avenue United Methodist Church’s Service of Death and Resurrection Guidelines, it is recommended that:
Sensitivity be given to the custom of viewing at the funeral home. It is further recommended that the casket be closed at all services conducted in the funeral home.
Attending the visitation hours is not a substitute for participation in the Service of Death and Resurrection.
Christian stewardship and wisdom are to be considered in expenditures for the funeral. Proper disposition by either burial or cremation should be attended to with simplicity, economy and Christian dignity.
Columbarium
The church has a columbarium which is located in the rear of the sanctuary on the east side of the building. Persons wishing to be inured or to have their loved one inured in the columbarium are to request the necessary paperwork from the church office staff or the pastor. These arrangements may be made before the time of death or shortly after. Be mindful that the funeral home will also need to be informed of these plans. Fees schedules for members and non-members will be provided with the application form.
Remuneration
The pastor will not accept any honorarium for a Service of Death and Resurrection when the deceased was a member of his/her parish. Those who wish to make a contribution may direct such gifts to the Church for the Capital Campaign or Memorial Fund by making a check out to the Park Avenue United Methodist Church.
If a service is provided for a non-member by the pastor, the customary pastoral fee is $500. Additional charges, including fees for sanctuary use and security/maintenance, will be determined by the pastor at the time arrangements are made.
The Director of Music will have the right of first refusal to play at all Services of Death and Resurrection. Remuneration for the organist is to be arranged by the family/funeral director with the Director of Music. The customary fee for the organist is $400. If a soloist or other special musical arrangements are required, the Church organist will negotiate the additional costs with the family. If a substitute organist is required, arrangements are to be made with the Director of Music who has the sole authority to determine who is best qualified to provide appropriate music for the service.
The Service of Christian Marriage
Services of Christian Marriage at Park Avenue United Methodist Church will be conducted with appropriate dignity and propriety by a minister appointed to the church by the Bishop of the New York Annual Conference. Each marriage service should be personal and should express the desires and ideals of the Bridge and Bridegroom. However, final decisions regarding all wedding arrangements are to be approved by the officiating minister, in advance.
It is expected that if you wish to assure that your marriage will be officiated by either the Senior or Associate Pastor, you will make arrangements with them before scheduling your wedding.
Care should be given to assure that the church is available for your wedding before finalizing arrangements for your reception.
The standards and requirements for Services of Christian Marriage at Park Avenue United Methodist Church are:
Counseling:
All persons to be married will enter fully into pre-marital counseling sessions with the understanding that additional sessions may be added at the discretion of the pastor. Premarital counseling will be conducted by the pastor(s) of the Park Avenue United Church or by persons authorized to provide such counseling. Written proof that counseling has been completed will be required for persons who do not receive counseling through the Park Avenue United Methodist Church. In addition, the pastors may advise or require additional professional counseling when deemed appropriate and may make recommendations of professional therapists when a recommendation is made. All decisions concerning any marriage, including the remarriage of divorced persons, will be made solely by the pastor. The pastor may request to see copies of the divorce agreement before proceeding with counseling or with the wedding.
Rehearsal:
A rehearsal is required for all weddings, unless it is determined by the pastor to be unnecessary. The customary time for the rehearsal is one week to a few days before the wedding, though other arrangements can be made with pastor and the Bridal Couple. It is not expected that the organist will be present during the rehearsal. The pastor will direct the rehearsal. The sanctuary will be reserved for one hour for the rehearsal.
Other participants are to be notified of these arrangements by the bride and bridegroom. The bride and bridegroom are to bring the marriage license, rings (if they are to be exchanged) and any other special items needed for the ceremony to the pastor not later than the time of the rehearsal.
The Service:
The Service of Christian Marriage is provided for couples who wish to solemnize their marriage in a Service of Christian Worship that parallels in structure the Sunday Service. Everything about the service is designed to witness that this is a Christian marriage. In cases of an interfaith marriage, arrangements are to be made in advance with the pastor so that customs from both traditions may be honored. Arrangements for the inclusion of other clergy or religious leaders and any additions to the service relating to other faith traditions are to be made with the pastor’s advice and approval. If other clergy or religious leaders are to participate in the service, they must provide copies of their credentials to the officiating pastor before the wedding. Only clergy who are registered with the City of New York and who can provide a copy of this registration may officiate or co-officiate at any wedding connected with the Park Avenue United Methodist Church. The Senior or Associate Pastors will take the lead role in any wedding performed at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church or under church auspices at any other location.
The sanctuary will be reserved for the wedding for three hours. This includes flower set-up and photos taken before or after the ceremony.
Services of Christian Marriage planned for a location other than the Park Avenue United Methodist Church must be made with the pastor’s advice and approval.
Music:
The organ at Park Avenue United Methodist Church is reserved for the sole use of the church organist or their designated replacement. If the bridal couple requests more than the customary amount of music, if additional rehearsals are required, or if the organist is asked to prepare special music with other soloists or musicians, the organist will set his/her own charges over and above the standard fee.
Flowers and/or Decorations:
Floral arrangements and decorations are to be appropriate for the service. It is expected that there will be an arrangement or bouquet(s) on the altar. Other floral arrangements and decorations should be simple and placed so that they will not detract from the wedding or create a hazard to people as they enter and leave the sanctuary. Arrangements are to be made with the church secretary for flower delivery and placement of decorations. Also, the couple is expected to make arrangements with the pastor for any flowers that are to be left for the use of the church after the service. Otherwise, it is expected that flowers and/or decorations will be removed within 1 hour following the service, or before the sanctuary is needed for the next service (whichever occurs first).
Pictures and Video Cameras:
As a wedding in the church is primarily a Service of Christian Worship, the bride and bridegroom are expected to inform their photographers, family members, and guests of the need to make arrangements for stationary video cameras with the pastor at the time of the rehearsal – or before. It is expected that the bridal couple will make it clear to all photographers, volunteer and/or professional, that they are expected to be discrete and appropriate while taking pictures during the service.
Traditional Send-off:
To avoid excessive litter, only flower petals or bubbles may be used to greet the newly-weds as they leave the church after the ceremony.
Cleaning Following the Service:
The sanctuary and church premises are to be cleaned by the church maintenance staff following the rehearsal and the service (except for the removal of flowers and decorations – see above).