Baptisms, Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals And Cemetery Regulations

Baptism is a symbolic ritual designed to open us to new life in God within a church community. This sacrament serves as an initiation into Christianity, a first step taken in one’s personal journey of faith. It is offered to all ages without condition. Because we believe the gift of God’s love doesn’t depend on our ability to understand it, we baptize people as infants right up through adulthood.

Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian church that practice infant baptism. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their baptism and welcomes them as Christians.

With an infant, it is not required that parents become members of the congregation. But parents and the congregation are required to make promises to support the child’s spiritual growth and development. In order for these vows to be meaningful, we strongly advise families to get to know us first.

In the case of adult baptisms, our minister will work with you to create a meaningful ritual that reflects your spiritual journey.

Please contact the church at least one month prior to your intended date.

Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which you affirm for yourself the faith into which you have been baptized and your intention to live a life of committed discipleship. This affirmation is confirmed through prayer and the laying on of hands. The Church also asks God to give you power through the Holy Spirit to enable you to live in the way of Jesus.

The purpose of confirmation preparation is to ensure that those who are confirmed have a proper understanding of what it means to live as a disciple of Christ within the life of the Church. Preparation focuses less on learning by rote and more on enabling young people to live a life of committed discipleship in a world of multimedia and globalised culture. Sessions encourage candidates to grow in their Christian faith through prayer, reflection, studying the Bible, participating actively in the life of the church and demonstrating their faith in their communities.

Confirmation classes are open to students between the ages of 11 and 14, with those outside that range being considered upon discussion with the minister.

Classes run once a week for 8-12 weeks, and are offered approximately every 2-3 years.

For more information, please contact the church office.

When you meet with the minister you will be able to plan the wedding ceremony together. We are open to your suggestions and appreciate that this is a very special day in your life as a couple. We want this ceremony to reflect your love and your relationship as much as you do!

As church weddings are religious services, you can expect to have an order of service that includes prayer, sacred music, Scripture reading, and a meaningful message from our minister about the important commitment you are making. Rest assured that all legal requirements in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador are met in this service of marriage.

The seating capacity of our sanctuary is 150, and the Hall can accommodate up to 100 guests.

There is a $100 charge for using the church for a wedding.  This does not include the Ministers fee.

Please contact the church at least six months prior to your intended date.

The minister is available to you and your family members at any time. Please call the church office and your request will be forwarded to them immediately. Our minister can help you find the support and care that you need during this time of loss and transition.

The funeral or memorial service may be held in the church sanctuary or another location of your choosing. The seating capacity of our sanctuary is 150. Our minister will meet with you to create a sacred experience that honours, celebrates and remembers the life of your loved one. We will also assist you in choosing music that is appropriate and significant for your family. If there is to be a soloist or other special music then our minister will guide you in this area as well. Pictures and mementos may also be displayed in the sanctuary and/or the hall.

You may request a Memorial Reception following the worship service. The capacity of the the hall is 100.

Costs:

Single Plot – $300.00
Double Plot – $600.00
Single Cremation Plot – $150.00
Double Cremation Plot – $300.00

Regulations:

1. A member of clergy or a designated layperson must be present for each interment 
2. A representative from the funeral home must be present for most interments. If the family brings home an urn for interment, the family must have a burial permit or certificate of cremation. A representative from the funeral home does not need  to be present if there is a certificate of cremation. 

3. The representative from the funeral home must give the clergy or designated layperson the burial permit before or at the interment.
4. If a family brings home an urn and there is no involvement with a funeral home, Wesley United will be responsible for preparing the grave and any expenses incurred will be charged to the family. 
5. Plots may be purchased as needed. 
6. Plots may be pre-purchased. Location of interment will be in the next available plot at the time of burial. Plots may be bought together if the initial burial is a child of the parents. 
 7. The size of casket plot must be 4 feet by 8 feet. The grave must be 5 1/2  - 6 feet deep. A grave liner must be a wooden box or better. 
8. One urn may be added to each existing  grave. There will be no charge for this urn. A foot stone may be placed at the foot of the plot. 
9. The size of an above or below urn plot is half the size of a casket plot. 
10.Two urns may be buried in a below ground urn plot. 
11. The cost for a casket plot is 300.00 and the cost of one urn plot is 150.00
12. One headstone is permitted for each plot. There may be joined headstones covering the space of the family graves. 
13. In the case where one purchases a large plot for cremated remains, the maximum of 3 urns are permitted in one plot. There can still only be one headstone and one foot marker or pillow marker  for the plot. 
14. There must be some type of name marker placed at each grave. 
15. All excess soil from preparing the grave must be stored at the designated site. No soil is to be left at the grave. 
16. The maximum allowable size for monument bases are: Single Plot – 42”  Double Plot – 92’’   Triple Plot – 124”
17. The maximum allowable height of a monument is 36” from ground level. 
 

Maintenance:

Due to this cemetery being maintained by volunteers plus the regular occurrence of high winds in this area, the following rules have to be followed: 

1. No structures of any kind are to be placed around the plots. 
2. One lot of flowers in a cone shaped monument holder ,which has the long peg to go in the ground, may be placed at the ends of the headstone or between two headstones. 
3. A saddle of flowers which is strapped to the top of the headstone is permitted. A solar light may be placed in the saddle. 
4. No trinkets, decorations, solar lights, etc to be placed on the base of the headstone, in front of, or around the headstone. 
5. All foot markers  have to be placed in the ground so that the top of the stone is level with the grass. Pillow Markers may be erected as designed. 
6. All flowers have to be removed by October 31 of each year. 
 

Wesley United Church is not responsible for loss or damage of items placed at the graves.  
 

There shall be no service of committal without the approval of Wesley United Church. 

We thank you for helping to keep this cemetery a beautiful sacred place to come and remember your loved ones. God Bless you. 

Website Created: December 29th, 2021
Website Designer, Creator And Administrator: Curtis Francis

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