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In the life of every Christian church the congregation looks forward to and is challenged by the meaning of a number of special events and festivals. This listing partially represents the experiences at Immanuel Baptist which fall into such a category:
THE RIGHT HAND OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (see “Membership”)
New members are always welcomed. When a person wishes to become a member of Immanuel (see About Us), contacting the Pastor begins a process. The Pastor meets with the inquirer, presents his/her name to the Deacons and then the Church Council, and the person is “voted in.” During a service of worship within a week or two, the new member is introduced to the congregation by someone who has already been a member of the church, the Pastor extends a simple handshake which is called the “Right Hand of Christian Fellowship,” and a membership certificate is presented. At the conclusion of the service, worshippers greet the new member in a receiving line at the front of the Sanctuary, after which everyone enjoys a more informal period of fellowship with refreshments. The way to begin the process is for the seeker to speak to the Pastor. (207-775-2301).
 COMMUNION (see “Faith and Practice”)
Communion is one of the two ordinances in a Baptist church (an ordinance is a practice encouraged by Jesus to be perpetually observed within the community of faith). At Immanuel Communion is “open,” which means that everyone who understands its meaning is invited to participate. The broken bread and poured cup are deeply meaningful symbols of Jesus’ death on the cross for the remission of the sins of each person. Communion then becomes a ritual of memory and thanksgiving. The phrase carved on the Communion Table at the front of the Sanctuary says it well; “This do in remembrance of Me.” A Baptist church who practices “open Communion” believes that it doesn’t matter what a person’s age is, or where a person’s church membership may reside, or whether a person is a visitor or attends Immanuel regularly, or what lifestyle or orientation best describes that person – each who confesses that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior is invited to receive Communion.
BAPTISM (see “Faith and Practice”)
The second ordinance in a Baptist church is Believer’s Baptism (by immersion). The one being baptized is expected to have the ability to understand the meaning of the ordinance, and to confess that he or she has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Savior and is committing their life to be His follower, His disciple. Because an infant hasn’t yet reached the age to be able to make such a mature decision, the privilege of being immersed (completely lowered below a body of water and then raised up from it) is reserved for one who can. The act of baptism does not change a person nor does it make them a Christian, nor does it “wash away” a person’s sins (as if there were a “theological detergent” in the water). Rather, it’s a public symbol of an inward, decision. Anyone interested in being baptized at Immanuel should contact the Pastor. (207-775-2301)
INFANT DEDICATION (not “Baptism”)
Because the request for baptism is preceded by the mature decision to become a follower of Jesus Christ, small infants are not expected to be able to understand that. This is why Baptists do not practice infant baptism. Instead, a beautiful service of “Infant Dedication” is available to parents who wish to bring their young children to the church in thanksgiving for the gift of the child’s life and in recognition of their own responsibility, as Christian parents, to raise their child in faith until the child is capable of making that decision. The Pastor creates such an experience during a regular worship service so that all the congregation can share in the joy and excitement of new life, but also bear a good deal of the responsibility to provide a church setting in which that child can grow in faith. Parents interested in a service of Infant Dedication should contact the Pastor for a conference. (207-775-2301)
A WEDDING
Immanuel is pleased to encourage people planning to be married to consider having their wedding ceremonies in the  beautiful Sanctuary of the church. This would include people within the congregation as well as interested neighbors or visitors. Because there are pre-wedding-counseling and rehearsal schedules to align, as well as arrangements for the date-and-time of the ceremony and the needed church staff to help with it, interested persons should contact the Church Office at least six months in advance of their desired wedding day. In response, the Office Manager will provide documents explaining all the details included any related costs. The Sanctuary of Immanuel Baptist Church is an absolutely gorgeous setting for a marriage ceremony, able to seat four hundred comfortably; the Greenough Chapel is ideal for smaller gatherings; and the Cloistered Garden perfect for setting up receiving lines and/or taking photographs. A Parish Hall is also available for receptions. Immanuel Baptist Church is a very popular location for the weddings of couples who call and plan well in advance (207-775-2301). For more information, fill out a request for contact form, which also contains a photograph of the Sanctuary, a stunning venue for a meaningful wedding.
A FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE
At the time of the death of a dear friend, or someone in your family, the comfort of God’s love, the inspiration of the Scriptures, the reassuring presence of Immanuel’s Pastor, staff and congregation, and the availability of the church’s facilities, can be very supportive. You are encouraged to contact the Church Office to make any of these arrangements. Most Funeral Directors would be very pleased for your suggestion about using Immanuel Baptist Church. This ministry is open to anyone. (207-775-2301)
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