Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is the sacrament whereby a child or adult is incorporated into the Church. For this reason, it usually happens in the context of a Sunday morning Eucharist. Under special circumstances, the Rector will perform private Baptisms. Please call the office to arrange a date for a Baptism. You will be asked to complete a Request for Baptism Form.
Holy Matrimony
The Rector is delighted to perform marriages for parish members and their families. We do not rent the Church for weddings for others. Please call the office to arrange a date for your wedding. You will be asked to complete a Request for a Wedding Form. The marriage of divorced persons is permitted in the Episcopal Church, but the Rector is required to seek the permission of the Bishop of Georgia. Those seeking remarriage should complete a Petition to the Bishop for Consent.
Only under exceptional circumstances do weddings happen during Lent. The Canons of the Church state that a priest must have 30 days notice of an impending wedding, and the Bishop requires 90 days notice when his permission is being sought by divorced persons.
Weddings performed at All Saints’ follow the service from the Book of Common Prayer. Please discuss your plans for photography with the Rector. It is important that the solemnity of the occasion is maintained.
Burials
Within the confines of The Book of Common Prayer, the Rector’s desire is to accommodate family wishes regarding burial services. To this end, parishioners are encouraged to consult with the Rector about their wishes while they are healthy. A record of your wishes is then kept in the Church Office, which can be of great comfort to your next of kin after your death.
Please notify the Rector immediately in the case of the death or impending death of a loved one. He will work with you on finding a time for the service that will be convenient for you and your family. It helps if you contact him before contacting the funeral home.
Burial services may or may not be in the context of a Eucharist, and they may take place in the Church or at the gravesite. Parishioners’ cremains may be placed permanently in the Memorial Garden.
If you wish, cremains or caskets may lie in the Chapel before the service. Receptions after the service may also take place in the Parish Hall.
Hospital Calling
Hospitals are no longer permitted to contact a church when one of its members is admitted. Please let the church office know if a member of your family is entering the hospital. The Rector will want to visit them and pray with them. If so desired, he will also anoint the sick and bring communion.
Communion of the Sick
If you are ill or otherwise prevented from attending Church, the rector will be glad to bring Communion to your home or hospital. Please just call and let us know of your desire. The sacrament of Holy Communion brings strength and comfort at times of weakness. Your family members and friends, who may also find comfort in sharing with you, may also be present.