Congregational Care Ministries
A broad range of ministries fall under the category of Congregational Care. They include major life events – birth, marriage, death, the Sacraments, and events that make a church community a warm and welcoming place to experience God’s love and care. Most of all they pay attention to what is happening in the lives of our members and offer care when and where it is needed. We invite you to consider which of these might be a need for your family or desire for your involvement in the life of the Gethsemane Faith Community.
New Members
New member classes are held quarterly at Gethsemane, with those attending being welcomed into membership at the following Sunday service. At the time of joining, new member families are assigned a sponsor family who stays in contact with them throughout their first year of membership. Contact the church office at 651-739-1264 for the date and information on the next class.
Holy Baptism at Gethsemane
The gift of Baptism comes to the church through Jesus Christ. The church has grounded its teaching and practice about Baptism in the great commission of Jesus to his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Because the gifts of God cannot be measured, the gift of Baptism is a gift for all. Baptism at Gethsemane is held every other month on the second Sunday of the month at the late service. It is required that families attend a Baptism class to prepare for Baptism. Parents and Godparents are strongly encouraged to attend this class. For more information on having a child or an adult baptized at Gethsemane, contact the church office at 651-739-1264.
Weddings
For Christians, marriage is a celebration of God’s steadfast love and forgiveness given through Jesus Christ. In God, two are joined together in their commitment to each other and vows are grounded in God’s love, which abides forever. As early as possible, the church must be contacted to reserve a wedding date. To hold that date, a $200 deposit is required. This deposit, at wedding time, will cover some wedding fees. If the wedding is cancelled, the deposit is returned to the couple. Pre-marriage Counseling is required to be married at Gethsemane. For more information and for setting up an appointment with a pastor, call the church office or the phone number and extension for one of the pastors. To view the wedding booklet, click here.
Premarriage Counseling
All couples being married at Gethsemane are expected to meet with a pastor three to four times before the wedding. The Prepare pre-marriage inventory and follow-up counseling sessions are used to help couples build on their relationship strengths. There is a $35 scoring fee for the inventory and a $400 fee for three counseling sessions. Following the counseling sessions, a meeting to plan the service needs to be scheduled with the pastor presiding at the wedding.
Funerals
To schedule a funeral, contact must first be made with a pastor regarding availability. If at all possible, a funeral at Gethsemane takes priority over other church events. Planning the funeral will involve meeting with the pastor and also contact with the Funeral Committee. Lunches can be provided. Families are asked to pay for expenses incurred in serving the lunch. Contact the church office at 651-739-1264 to schedule.
Hospitalization
When a member knows of upcoming hospitalization, it is important to let the church office know of the date and location, since there is no longer communication from the hospital regarding admittance. It is also important to give permission for the concern to be included in our weekly Sunday prayers. Gethsemane cannot include anyone in prayers without permission.
Homebound Ministry
Homebound Ministry is a lay ministry where Holy Communion is offered to those who are not able to attend worship and regularly receive the Sacrament. It is taken monthly to those in homes, care facilities and hospitals. A training is required with detailed instructions for participation in this ministry. The commitment to serve is two years, if possible. For more information about serving in this ministry, please contact the church office.
If you or a friend or family member would like to receive Holy Communion but you are unable to attend services, please call the church office at 651-739-1264.
Stephen Ministry
Please refer to the Stephen Ministry information that is available here.