Baptisms

Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s grace and our response.  It is the foundational recognition of our commitment to Christ and normally takes place during a public worship service.  Our practice is to baptize by sprinkling.

The baptism of infants/children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims us even before we are able to respond in faith.  Those presenting children for Baptism promise to provide nurture and guidance within the church of faith until the child is ready to make a personal profession of faith.  Ordinarily, at least one parent must be an active member of Fairview Presbyterian Church.

Baptism is received only once.  We recognize all Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as administered by other Christian churches.

For more information, contact our pastor, John Koppitch (jkoppitch@fairviewpresbyterian.org  317-251-2245)

Weddings

We welcome the opportunity to serve couples who desire a Christian marriage ceremony.  The wedding itself is a worship service in which we thank God for the gift of marriage, witness the couple’s vows, and surround them with prayers seeking to bless and strengthen them in their love for God and for each other.

While membership in Fairview Presbyterian Church is not required, profession of faith as a Christian is.  (Otherwise, it makes little sense to have a Christian marriage ceremony in a church).

The wedding service is under the direction of Fairview’s pastor.  Others (including pastors from other denominations) may participate at the discretion of the pastor.  Pre-marital counseling is required.  This counseling includes planning the details of the ceremony.

For more information, consult “Wedding Policies and Fees” in the “Policies” section of this website, or contact our church administrator, Bobbi Griffis (bgriffis@fairviewpresbyterian.org   317-251-2245).

Funerals

The resurrection is a central doctrine of the Christian faith and shapes Christians’ attitudes and responses to the event of death.  Through the funeral service (technically called “A Service of Witness to the Resurrection”), the church offers a ministry of love and hope to all who grieve.  While it is certainly appropriate to recall aspects of the life of the one who has died, this worship service is primarily focused on God:  giving thanks to God for, and celebrating, the gift of this particular person’s life; reaffirming and celebrating God’s promise of forgiveness and resurrection through Jesus Christ.

The service is under the direction of Fairview’s pastor.  Others (including pastors from other denominations) may participate at the discretion of the pastor.  While a Service of Witness to the Resurrection is normally held in the sanctuary, other locations may be appropriate.  A Witness to the Resurrection Service can take place with the body/ashes present (sometimes called a funeral service) or with the body/ashes not present (as in a Memorial Service).

Membership in Fairview Presbyterian Church is not required to have a Witness to the Resurrection in our church (although there is a different fee scale for members/non-members).

Counseling with the pastor, prior to the funeral, is required.  This counseling includes planning the details of the worship service.  For services at a funeral home, it is very important to confirm the date and time with the pastor before finalizing the arrangements and making them public.

For more information, consult “Funeral Policy” in the “Policies” section of this website, or contact our church administrator, Bobbi Griffis (bgriffis@fairviewpresbyterian.org   317-251-2245).