The Saddle River Reformed Church provides various religious and sacred worship services to the members of the congregation and to the general community. These special worship services may occur during the regular Sunday Worship or at times fitting the needs of the family.

Worship opportunities include Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Membership, Weddings, and Funerals

Baptism
Baptism is the Sacrament for entrance into the community of Christian Faith. The Reformed Tradition celebrates both adult and infant Baptism during Sunday Worship.

Adult Baptism is for any mature person (not previously baptized) who declares their faith before the Board of Elders and the Congregation. The person to be baptized affirms:

1. Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.
2. The person relies on Jesus alone for their salvation.
3. The person accepts the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
as the only rule of faith and practice in the Church.
4. The person will acknowledge the above statements before all people, and by God's grace seek to live a life worthy of this Christian Calling.

Infant Baptism is offered to any child whose parent(s) is an active communicant member of the Reformed Church and affirms before the Board of Elders the statements of faith in the Adult Baptism. They also promise to raise the child in the Christian Faith by example, prayer and active membership within the Church. This sacrament takes place during Sunday Worship.

Confirmation is the fulfillment of the infant Baptismal vows and offered to any person (baptized as an infant) who has reached religious maturity (usually around 13 years of age). Classes for Confirmation Students are offered each year.

Communion
Communion is the sacrament and celebration of the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples. Communion is regularly celebrated with the congregation during Sunday Worship and is open to all Christians who are members of a Christian Church.

Home Communion is offered to those who are sick or home bound. The Pastor and an Elder must be present for the Communion.

There are no fees associated with any of these services. If you would like to receive Adult Baptism, Infant Baptism for your child, or Home (Hospital) Communion, please call the Church Office.

Membership
Membership in the Christian Church is an affirmation of one's faith in Jesus Christ. Each person who seeks membership promises to:

1. Affirm the Apostolic Faith as taught within the Church of Jesus Christ, according to the Word of God.
2. Affirm their salvation is only through the saving work of Jesus Christ.
3. Regularly attend worship and receive Communion.
4. Participate in the fellowship of the congregation and submit to Christian teaching and leadership.
5. Offer faithfully of time, talent, and treasure to support the life and mission of the congregation.
5. Seek the things that make for purity and peace in the Church of Christ.

Any person who has been baptized is invited to become a member of the Saddle River Reformed Church.

For more information about becoming a member of the congregation, speak with Pastor Fretz after Sunday Worship or call the Church Office

Weddings
The Christian Wedding celebrated by the Reformed Church is a sacred ceremony but not a sacrament. It is intended to be the time when a man and a woman declare their life long commitment to each other, as it is witnessed by God and the community. The service can be scheduled directly with the Pastor. At that time, the Pastor will confirm a date for the wedding ceremony and begin scheduling for the pre-marriage counseling.

While all weddings celebrated at the Saddle River Reformed Church are Christian Weddings, the couple need not be members of the congregation. The Pastor will lead all weddings. However guest clergy may be invited to participate in the ceremony and liturgy of the Reformed Church with the Pastor.

Guidelines for weddings concerning counseling, rehearsals, music, the wedding party, and the wedding ceremony can be obtained from the Church Office

Important: Do not finalize the reception before confirming date with the Pastor.

Funerals
The Christian ceremony of burial is intended to offer comfort and hope to those who grieve the loss of their loved one through the Word of God and the mutual care of the community.

Christians are encouraged to share this sacred ceremony in the sanctuary. However, a memorial service may take place either before or after the disposition of the body.

Arrangements for the time and place of the ceremony should be made in conjunction with the family, funeral director and Pastor.

Additional Information

If you have any questions concerning any of the information in this pamphlet,
Please call the Church Office.