Special Services

Healing and Wholeness

Services for prayer, music, and refection are offered quarterly for those in need of respite and solace. In the context of a community of faith, these worship services hold those with all varieties of needs in prayer and support. These can include grieving a loss, chronic or terminal illness, struggles with relationships, addictions, life transitions, and injustices in our community and world among other needs.

Baptisms

Baptism is the sign and seal to show that we belong to Jesus Christ. In baptism, we become one with Christ and members of Christ’s Body, the church. Highland Presbyterian Church baptizes on behalf of the whole church of Jesus Christ and we recognize the Baptisms of all Christian churches, which are administered with water in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When an infant or young child is baptized, the parent or parents are asked to profess their faith in Jesus Christ and promise to raise the child to know and follow him. When an older child or adult is baptized, they are asked to profess their faith in Christ and their intention to be his disciple. In both cases, the congregation promises to nurture and support those being baptized so that they are able to grow in faith. Requests for baptism are approved by the Session. Anyone seeking baptism for themselves or their child is encouraged to contact one of the pastors.

Weddings

Let us take this opportunity to congratulate you on your engagement, pending wedding ceremony, and the incredibly enriching and ongoing process of “Becoming Married.” We are pleased to be a part of the newness continually created and offered by God. Don’t hesitate to call or email us with any questions about scheduling procedures, available staff and space, or anything we have to offer that will make your ceremony proceed as smoothly as possible. Please check out our Wedding Guide at the bottom of this page for more information. The wedding ceremony in a church is a service of worship. The people who gather do so to worship God and, in the process, to give witness to marriage. Christian marriage finds its unique meaning in the fact that it is patterned after the covenant relationship, which God has established with the church. God has promised to love the church in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health. In Christian marriage you will promise before God to do the same for one another. Marriage ceremonies may be held during the regular Sunday worship service or at a special service at another time. Regardless of when you decide to schedule it, we ask that, as you plan, you think of this time as a worship service directed toward God. 

Funerals

The Christian funeral is a service of witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because Christ has overcome the power of death, we trust that death will not separate us from one another and from God’s love. In this service, we gather to worship God, to give thanks to God for the life of the one who has died, and to surround family and friends with prayers and support. It is appropriate to hold the funeral service in the sanctuary because this is where the community gathers for prayer and praise. Music is an important part of the service and should emphasize our trust in God’s promises of life. When a casket is present, it remains closed during the service. A hand-embroidered pall is available to cover the casket if desired. Members are encouraged to provide the church with information about the arrangements at the time of death, including selections of scripture and music.

A Funeral Planning Booklet is available to assist families in planning for funeral services.