St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lancaster, New York


		Pastoral Acts: Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals Can nonmembers use the church for a Baptism, wedding or funeral? Yes, St. John's is available to persons seeking help in these special events in life. Phone Pastor Scarafia to discuss details at (716) 683-8972. Baptisms Weddings Funerals

		Baptisms What is Baptism all about? Baptism is the Sacrament of entrance into the Christian Church and the visible sign of God's claim upon a person. Baptism is available to any person who chooses to become an active part of the Church of Jesus Christ. Since our normal practice is infant Baptism this Sacrament reminds us that God comes to care for us long before we are even aware of his presence. These days it is not uncommon to encounter persons who were never Baptized as children and desire to receive the Sacrament as an adult. Do we need Sponsors for a Baptism? Sponsors or Godparents are usually invited to become a part of the Baptized individual's faith experience. Sponsors do not need to be members of St. John's Lutheran Church but they should be persons who have a personal faith commitment and feel positive about the Church. The number of persons selected and their gender is up to the family as they make plans for the Baptism. What do I need to do to schedule a Baptism? Here at St. John's we are ready to discuss preparation for Baptism for either adults or children. Pastor Scarafia usually meets with a family planning for Baptism to share information and answer questions. An appointment can be scheduled by calling the Church Office at 683-8972 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. Although you do not need to be a member of this congregation to arrange a Baptism, please be aware that the Service of Baptism involves the promise to raise the child in the Church or in the case of an adult, assumes that the adult will become an active member of the congregation. Return to Top Weddings What is involved in getting married at St. John's? St. John's is a popular site for weddings because of its size and beauty. We get a variety of requests for weddings from persons unrelated to the congregation. Our policy is that member families get first preference but that nonmembers may be married here if the schedule is workable with the Pastor's commitments. Since we have only one Pastor on staff, it is his schedule which controls the process. For nonmembers there is a "use fee" which covers all of the normal expenses for use of the building, Pastor's preparation time, Sexton, Organist, rehearsal time and candle expenses. Use of a soloist would involve an additional fee. What do I need to do to arrange a wedding? The normal procedure is to phone the church office at 683-8972 to determine if a date is available and then to make an appointment to meet with Pastor Scarafia. For most weddings two or three sessions with the Pastor are adequate for planning and preparation. It is best to contact the church as soon as plans begin to get specific and arrangements are made for a reception. Usually an appointment with the Pastor is scheduled about six to eight months before the wedding. Return to Top Funerals What do you have to do to plan a funeral at St. John's? Pastor Scarafia is available to respond to a family's need in a time of loss and grief. You do not need to be a member to arrange for a funeral for a loved one. The choices before a family involve where to hold the service and whether it will be a traditional funeral with burial following or a Memorial Service with private arrangements for burial. Sometimes families select an evening hour for a Memorial Service when their friends may find it more convenient to attend. Either the Funeral Parlor or the Church may be selected for the Service. Both Pastor Scarafia and the Vicar are available to be of service to you in your time of loss. Please phone the church office at 683-8972 or Pastor at home at 681-6488. Return to Top