The Sacraments
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As in most Protestant traditions, The United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments:
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​Baptism
Baptism is a gift of God’s grace welcoming us into a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the water of baptism we are initiated into Christ’s mighty acts of salvation and received into the nurturing fellowship of the congregation. In baptism, the recipient, and/or their parents, enter into a covenant relationship with Christ, committing themselves to a life of discovery, holiness and joy in the power of the Spirit. Baptism is offered to people of all ages.
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All who come to be baptized, or their parents/caregivers, are expected to participate in a baptism orientation class with one of the pastors prior to receiving the sacrament. If you seek baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the church office for further information.
Holy Communion
Christ invites us to the Table, where we give thanks to God for the blessings of life and salvation, remember the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus, and look forward to the day when we will feast at the heavenly banquet. During this holy meal we gather as a community, in the presence of Christ, to be nourished in our faith, so that we may serve as Christian disciples in the world.
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Fairhaven celebrates Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month, as well as during other significant celebrations on the Christian calendar. We practice an open communion table where all who are present are welcome to receive the bread of lfe and cup of salvation.
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​Life Event Services
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​Confirmation
Confirmation is a ceremony for those who were baptized as infants or children and are now prepared to make a personal commitment to become a follower of Jesus Christ and professing member of the church.
Confirmation classes are offered periodically for youth approximately 12 years of age. Independent study may be arranged in consultation with the pastor.
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​Weddings
Marriage is a gift from God celebrating love between a couple, who commit their lives to each other in sacred covenant. In order to more fully prepare for a joyful, fulfilling and flourishing marriage, couples are expected to participate in pre-marital counseling sessions with one of the pastors prior to their ceremony.
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Please contact the church office to inquire about celebrating a wedding at Fairhaven.
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Funerals
Our pastors and staff are here to provide care and support following the death of a loved one.
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Funeral and memorial services can be scheduled in the church sanctuary or at an area funeral home or cemetery. We will assist you in preparing and conducting a service which gives appropriate thanks to God for the life of your family member or friend, remembers their life as a child of God, and proclaims our faith in God’s promise of eternal life and new creation in Christ.
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