Weddings and Event Hosting
If you would like to hold a wedding or other event at our church, contact us at the office at mbppc@mtbakerchurch.org or 206.722.5884. Please refer to this Wedding Policy document for detailed information about applying for, and celebrating, a wedding at MBPPC.
Baptisms
Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church Policy
Celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism for Infants and Young Children
(Revised by the MBPPC Session, June, 2009)
Introduction
One of the greatest joys in the Christian life is the celebration of the sacrament of Holy Baptism for infants and young children. This sacrament is “the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ” (The Book of Order, W-2.3001), meaning that it celebrates God’s loving promise to claim us as children through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Since “redemption from sin through the blood of Christ and the gift of faith from the Holy Spirit are promised to these children no less than their parents, infants are also by baptism, as a sign of the covenant, to be incorporated into the Christian Church” (The Book of Confessions, 4.074). In other words, when a child is baptized at MBPPC, he or she is not only claimed as a beloved child of God in Christ, but becomes a member of Christ’s universal Church.
Baptism initiates a child’s journey in the Christian life. Along with his or her parent or parents, the congregation vows “to support and encourage the child to be a faithful Christian” (The Book of Common Worship, p. 406). It is the responsibility of the parents, the congregation, and the pastor to provide the child support and instruction in the Christian faith so that he or she can eventually unite with a particular congregation as an active member by his or her own profession of faith.
When Baptisms Are Scheduled at MBPPC
“For reasons of order, Baptism shall be authorized by the session (church board), administered by a minister of the Word and Sacrament, or a commissioned lay pastor when invited by the session and authorized by the presbytery, and accompanied by the reading and proclaiming of the Word” (BOE, W-2.3011, a.). Baptisms are authorized for the second Sundays of each month, except in the season of Lent. Exceptions shall be scheduled as approved by Session.
The Role of Parents and the Congregation
Since we believe that baptism is initiation into the Church, the Body of Christ, it is very important that the parent or parents have an active role in the life of a particular congregation. And it is equally important that members of the congregation undertake the responsibility of supporting the parent or parents in raising the child in the Christian faith. For this reason, “the parent(s) or one(s) rightly exercising parental responsibility shall be an active member of the congregation” (BOE, W-2.3014), and “The congregation as a whole, on behalf of the Church universal, assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized person in the Christian life” (BOE, W-2.3013). The Presbyterian Church (USA) does not assign the role of godparents, but may name sponsors from the congregation (BOE, W-2.3013).
How to Request the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
A parent or parents, or those rightly exercising parental responsibility, may request that the session authorize a baptism for their child by contacting the Clerk of Session either in writing or by email.
Written requests may be mailed to the Clerk of Session, Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church, 3201 Hunter Blvd. S., Seattle, WA, 98144.
Emails may be sent to mbppc@mtbakerchurch.org.
A telephone number, mailing address, or email should be included in order for the Clerk to contact those making the request. Once the request is received, the pastor will contact the parent(s), or those exercising parental responsibility, to provide instruction about the meaning of baptism, and their responsibility to participate as active members in the church. At its monthly meeting (2nd Wednesday of each month, except August), the session will review and authorize baptism requests made by members of MBPPC, and schedule the celebration of the sacrament on one of the designated Sundays as agreed to by the Clerk of Session and those making the request.
Instruction by the Pastor
When baptisms are scheduled, the pastor will contact those who have requested the baptism, to arrange for instruction in the meaning of baptism and the manner in which the sacrament is administered in a worship service.
Funerals
Introduction
Whenever a member or friend of the Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church worshiping community dies, a number of decisions and plans have to be made in a brief span of time. This information is offered as a helpful tool for those making such decisions and plans.
When Someone Is Near Death
Whenever someone is near death, Pastor Leland Seese should be notified without delay. The pastoral staff is available to pray with family and friends before, during, and after the time of death. Formal prayer services, and informal prayer and support, are available at all times.
When Someone Has Died
When a member or friend of the worshiping community has died the ministrations of a pastor and the services of a mortician are immediately necessary. A call to the church and the funeral home should be made at once, notifying pastor and mortician about the name of the deceased and how a family member or friend can be reached to make plans for the ceremony. It is entirely appropriate for family members and friends to gather for prayer before a formal funeral or memorial service is conducted. It is especially helpful for family members and close friends to gather for quiet prayer and meditation the day (or evening) before a church ceremony.
Planning a Funeral or Memorial Service
There is no mandatory day and time for a funeral or memorial service to take place. Typically, funerals and memorial services take place within a few days after a death, as soon as congregation, family members and friends can gather. It is customary among Christians to hold funerals and memorial services on Sundays, the Day of Resurrection. A funeral is a service at which a coffin or urn of ashes is present. In Presbyterian churches the coffin is kept closed before, during, and after the service, and is often covered by a pall. This is to emphasize that the service is a witness to the resurrection rather than a veneration of the dead or their worldly and material status. A memorial service follows the same liturgy as a funeral, but without the presence of a casket or urn. Funerals and memorial services are worship services. Scripture readings, prayers, music, and reflections ought to honor this fact. As soon as possible after a death, family members or friends should arrange a meeting with the pastor to plan the service. Typically, such a meeting takes about an hour.
Special Arrangements
Family members and friends often request a number of special arrangements for a funeral or memorial service. The following policies apply at Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church:
Flowers – As much as is possible, flower arrangements ought to be limited to one arrangement on the Communion table. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make memorial contributions to the church or another charity.
Photographs – A photograph of the deceased, or a mural, may be placed in the narthex of the church before the service, then moved to the reception area. No photos or memorabilia are allowed in the sanctuary or chancel.
Fraternal Societies – When fraternal rites are desired, they must take place at another time and site. The only services offered at the church are those found in the Book of Common Worship.
Military Honors – An American flag may be presented to the family or friends of the deceased by a military officer or non-commissioned officer at the end of a funeral, memorial service, interment, or inurnment.
Cemetery or Mausoleum Services – An interment (burial) service may take place either immediately following the funeral or memorial service or at a later date. Neither is mandatory.
Guest Book – Family or friends may provide a guest book for those who attend to sign.
Receptions
The church is available for receptions following funerals or memorial services. Either the Social Hall downstairs (not disabled accessible) or the Fellowship Hall on the main floor is available. The congregation is not able to provide lunches or other meals. Family members and friends may provide a meal, or hire a private caterer.
Fees
For members of MBPPC, Pastor Seese charges no fee for his services at funerals or memorial services. There is no fee for use of the sanctuary for funerals or memorial services. The following fees are charged (checks payable to individuals):
Lee Seese (for non members): $250.00
Organist: $175.00
Church Soloist (if used): $ 75.00
Custodian: $50.00