Baptism
The most significant step you can take on the road to a deeper and transformed life in Christ is to be baptized in a supportive, loving church. Through the sacrament of Baptism, we are joined to Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection and made full members of his body, the Church. At baptism, we make promises about how we will live our lives as followers of Jesus. God promises us forgiveness of our sins and new life in the Holy Spirit, and welcomes us to continue our spiritual journey connected to others through Christ.
At St. Andrew’s we baptize babies, children, and adults. If you (or your child) are ready for baptism, we encourage you to contact our clergy to begin a conversation, and to join us regularly in worship. For more information, contact the parish office at (410) 489-4035.
Marriage
Holy Matrimony is the sacrament by which two people enter into a life-long union by vows before God and the Church. A wedding at St. Andrew’s celebrates Christian marriage and seeks God’s blessing on a couple’s life together. A Christian marriage implies a belief that faith will play an essential role in your relationship. The service affirms a commitment and belief that marriage is a life-long covenant undertaken through a vow of love, faithfulness, and a desire for a shared life. Couples are prepared through conversations with the clergy, which includes planning the service. To begin a conversation about scheduling a wedding at St. Andrew’s, contact the clergy at the parish office at (410) 489-4035.
Funerals
St. Andrew’s clergy are available for three kinds of services: funerals, memorial services, and committals. A funeral takes place within days following death, with a closed casket or urn present. A memorial service, in which remains are not present, may take place at any time suitable for the bereaved. A committal service takes place at a cemetery or columbarium, and may follow a funeral or take place separately. Please contact the clergy at or near the time of death so that the priest may come to the home or hospital to visit and pray with those who are bereaved. If death is not sudden or unexpected, we hope the family will have been in touch with the clergy prior to death. It is also possible and encouraged to make plans for one’s own burial, and to leave those plans on file with the Church. A resource for this planning can be found in this document from The Episcopal Church Foundation.
Columbarium
St. Andrew’s has a columbarium on its grounds for the interment of ashes. A columbarium is a place for the respectful storage of urns holding cremated remains. The Columbarium at St. Andrew’s is located to the north east of the Parish House Building. It is made of granite and situated in a lovely memorial garden atmosphere. Niches are available for purchase for both parishioners and members of Glenwood community. The Columbarium is open to people of all backgrounds. A person is not required to hold a service at St. Andrew’s in order to be interred in the Columbarium.
Contact the church office for a brochure with additional information and costs.
Those who are considering the purchase of a niche in the Columbarium are encouraged to write out their wishes for their funeral in addition to other end-of-life planning, such as creating a will and advanced directives. We invite members of the congregation to place a copy of their desired funeral arrangements on file in the parish office.