Special Services and Events
Special event services are an important part of the ministry of Holy Trinity Riverbend. Such events may be celebratory such as marriage, baptism, and confirmation, or may include more mournful events such as funerals. All of these services are an important part of how we worship. Below is a listing and description of the different types of services that can be scheduled at Holy Trinity Riverbend. For more information about any service listed here, please contact us.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which someone becomes a Christian and a member of the Church. The Baptism takes place in a service often called a Christening. In this service, parents thank God for the gift of life, make a decision to start their child on a journey of faith, and Godparents promise help and support. The church also promises to welcome the child and to pray for the family. For your child, being baptized at a Christening marks the start of a lifelong journey of faith as part of the local and worldwide Christian family.
Please contact the Rector to discuss Baptism in more detail.
Confirmation
Confirmation is an important part of our faith journey. It is closely linked to the Biblical practice of ‘laying on of hands’, when hands were placed in prayer on the heads of Christian believers. During the Confirmation, the Bishop places their hands on the candidate’s head and prays that the Holy Spirit, received at Baptism, will release in the candidate the gifts needed to serve the Church and the world. This is a way of confirming and taking on responsibility for the vows made on the candidate’s behalf at infant baptism by parents and Godparents. In churches all across the Diocese, young people and adults of all ages are choosing to demonstrate their faith to the church and to their friends by being confirmed.
Our parish runs an informal course for its confirmation candidates, usually one for adults and one for young people. Sometimes, adult candidates are prepared individually.
Please contact the Rector to discuss Confirmation in more detail.
Funerals
At a time of loss, the church is here for you. Whether or not you or the one who has died have attended a church, we offer our care and compassion at this difficult time in your life. When somebody you love dies, there’s a lot to think about and it can feel overwhelming at the time and we want you to know that your Priest is able to give support and would officiate at the funeral. We believe that it is important to take time to hear the story of your loved ones life. After the service, we offer a listening ear, not only in these early days, but in future months as you come to terms with your bereavement.
Whether the funeral is conducted at the church or at a funeral home, it can be offered with the addition of hymns, favourite prayers, and readings. Whatever the pattern of service, the words and actions all speak of a loving God and the preciousness to Him of every human being.
We truly believe that everyone is uniquely special in Gods eyes and hope to reflect this in our service to you.
For more information, please contact the church.
Weddings
Churches are special places and there are some things about a church wedding that you just can’t get anywhere else. A church wedding will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. The ceremony includes God and looks to Him for help and guidance. God’s blessing is the main attraction for many couples, whatever their beliefs.
You can make amazing vows, or promises, in a church. These vows, made in public, will help you to stay together and grow together. God and your church are there for you to help you keep your vows.
The Priest has a very particular role to play in your wedding. They can blend ancient tradition and modern experience to reflect your story. Their personal attention, advice, and support will help you create the wedding of your dreams and offer you everything that being connected to a church can mean, not just for your wedding, but also well beyond the big day.
For more information, please contact the church.
