CELEBRATIONS
Bala and Port Carling United is involved in the key moments in one’s life. We celebrate marriages, new additions to your family and we support you during times of grief and loss. Our minister is available to conduct weddings, baptisms and memorials. She will assist you in planning the service for each life event, so it is tailored to you and your family.
You will find information in this section on how we can serve you during these times. Contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss these important moments in life in further detail.
Weddings
Marriage is a gift to all humankind, a celebration of the love that has blossomed into a lifelong caring relationship. The Same Sex Wedding Official Board of Bala Port Carling United in 2006 voted that all who love each other regardless of sexual orientation are welcome to be married at Muskoka Wedding either church or outside by our minister. We strive to welcome, include and celebrate the diversity of God’s people in a safe and nurturing environment.
Funerals & Memorials
A funeral service, sometimes called a memorial service or a celebration of life, is a beautiful way to acknowledge, celebrate and honour the life of a loved one who has passed away. A funeral can bring comfort and peace to those who mourn and bring people together to share in the sorrow of loss and the joy of having known someone. Rev Ceri officiates Funeral and Celebration of Life Services at funeral homes in Muskoka as well as services that are hosted at Bala and Port Carling United.
Baptisms
Bala Port Carling United seeks to live a vision of Justice and Inclusion for all of God’s People. We will worship and celebrate diversity in the world. We will develop a faith-filled community, build relationships, love and serve others and care for the world we live in. We will expand our vision by challenging attitudes about ageism, gender, race, ability, class, economic status, sexual orientation and gender identity. We proclaim loudly, “We Are Not Alone”, the circle is wide and growing!
Baptism is a moment in any Christian community when we recognize the grace of God living in each child. Baptism is a visible symbol of God’s inclusive love. Therefore, it is God’s pleasure and kindness that is being expressed in the sacrament of Baptism, in the pouring of the water, we are reminded that we are all cherished and valued as God’s own. The sacrament of baptism symbolizes the love by which God reaches out to us even when we are very young. We declare that God loves each child and to offer ourselves as the instruments of that love in their lives.
