Sacraments and Celebrations
Holy Communion
We believe in the sacrament of Holy Communion as a means of experiencing God’s grace through passing of the bread and the cup in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice made for us upon the cross. Through prayer, music and reflection, Holy Communion is also a time of giving thanks and renewing our covenant with God. We offer an open Communion where all baptized individuals are invited to partake, regardless of their religious affiliation. Communion at Christ Church generally takes place on the first Sunday of each month.
Lent & Easter
The Season of Lent at Christ Moravian begins with a contemplative Ash Wednesday Service. The last week of Lent before Easter, known as Holy Week, begins with Palm Sunday and Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. Many Moravian churches hold a reading service each day during Holy Week. Christ Moravian conducts special services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Easter Sunday for us begins with a traditional Sunrise Service in the Memorial Garden. Following the Sunrise Service, an Easter Breakfast is provided. This is a time of fellowship leading up to the Easter Service that celebrates the resurrection and hope in the new life.
Advent & Christmas
The first day of Advent marks the beginning of the Christmas Season at Christ Church. Scripture readings and messages during Advent reflect on the fulfillment of prophecies and promises made in the Old Testament and help us to prepare for Christ’s second coming. Music plays an important part of our services during the Advent season. A large evergreen tree and traditional Moravian Star decorate the sanctuary and the Advent wreath is lit each Sunday. On Christmas Eve we welcome many of our friends and neighbours to Candlelight Services highlighted with traditional Moravian beeswax candles that are lit during the singing of "Morning Star".
Baptism
We believe all children are loved by God, accepted by God, and promised God’s grace, regardless of whether or not they are baptized by the Church. Infant Baptism is a Sacrament of the Church, instituted by Christ and imparted upon the child through sincere Christian commitment of the child’s parents and a vow by the congregation to support the one being baptized throughout their life. As such, we ask that families seeking infant baptism have an intention to worship with us. Adult baptism is a wonderful celebration of a non-baptised adult who is received into the life and fellowship of Christ through the sacrament. Read More....
Weddings
We recognize the sacredness of our sanctuary and believe that wedding ceremonies taking place in our sanctuary should honour the sacredness of marriage through loving commitments made before God. As such, we ask that our pastor, or another ordained minister, preside at services taking place in our sanctuary and that couples considering marriage in our sanctuary participate in counselling sessions with the pastor prior to the ceremony.
Funerals
We open our hearts and sanctuary to any grieving family wishing to use our church facilities at this difficult time. Our pastor and congregation will provide support and solace to your family, and assist you in memorializing and saying goodbye to your loved one. If desired, we can provide refreshments and prepare a space for a reception following the service.