Baptisms
Presbyterians view baptism as a sacrament and a visible sign of God’s covenant of grace. In baptism, God claims us as beloved children and members of Christ’s body, the church.
We offer baptism for infants, children, and adults that haven’t been baptized before. Infant baptism emphasizes that God chooses us before we can choose Him. Adult baptism is practiced upon a personal profession of faith.
Baptisms are performed in the sanctuary during the regular Sunday worship service to show that the individual is joining the broader church family. In the case of infants, the parents promise to raise the child in the Christian faith, while the congregation promises to support, nurture, and guide the child.
The PC(USA) recognizes all baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian churches. Individuals are not re-baptized when joining a Presbyterian church from another denomination.
If you are interested in baptism for your child or yourself, please contact the Church office: Call (716) 632-1330 or email n.church.npc@gmail.com.
Weddings
One of the happiest privileges a minister has is that of assisting a couple to enter upon the joy of marriage. We at North Church are pleased to provide you with this brochure that outlines our services. After reviewing the brochure, please call the church at 716-632-1330 to talk with the pastor, understand the fees, and schedule your wedding.
Memorial Services
Honoring a Life, Celebrating a Legacy, and Finding Comfort Together
When you lose a loved one, finding the right way to honor them can feel overwhelming. Please know that you do not have to walk this path alone. Our pastoral team and staff are here to support you with compassion, care, and practical guidance as we plan a service that truly reflects the spirit, faith, and legacy of your loved one. Whether you are looking for a traditional funeral, a contemporary celebration of life, or a small private gathering, we are here to help you create a space for healing and remembrance.
If you are making arrangements with a funeral home, the Funeral Director will generally coordinate directly with our church regarding dates, times, transport logistics, and other details. The Pastor will meet with the family to plan a meaningful service for your loved one. He will guide you in selecting scripture and readings, music and hymns, and participants in the service. Family members and friends are invited to offer words of remembrance as part of the memorial service.
Whether or not you or your loved one is a member of North Church, our hearts and our doors are open to anyone in our community seeking comfort and a sacred space to say goodbye. Our Pastor is also available to officiate services at local funeral chapels, crematoriums, or cemetery gravesides.
Gathering after the service to share a meal and swap stories is a vital part of the healing process. The Westminster fellowship Hall is available for post-service receptions. Our Memorial Receptions Committee can provide light refreshments, coffee, tea, and water. Families are welcome to provide sandwiches or other refreshments.
We believe that pastoral care during times of grief is a fundamental ministry. While there are modest honorariums for our staff and administrative expenses, we work with every family to ensure financial constraints never stand in the way of a meaningful service. Please see the Memorial Service brochure for fees and other information about planning your loved one’s memorial service.
If you are interested in holding a memorial service at North Church, please call the Church office at (716) 632-1330. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 am to 2:30 pm.
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden at North Church is a burial ground for the cremains of present and past North Church families. It is defined by our existing building and a low brick wall across the western end of the triangle. Landscaping the area outside the wall are flowering annuals, and deciduous and evergreen plantings. The interior wall is granite; names and dates of those whose ashes are interred immediately in front of the wall are incised on the granite.
The triangle of land located between north and south wings of North Church is a particularly appropriate place for our Memorial Garden. It is sheltered from the noise of traffic, and yet it is central to our facilities. Benches provide an area for rest and reflection. It has a quietness about it, yet it is visible from classrooms, Westminster Hall, the Dickinson Room, and even the Sanctuary.
The south section of the garden wall was given in memory of Merriel Snider; the north section was given in memory of Sally Munson.
Friends and families of North Church members or non-affiliated persons may apply for a gravesite. Please see the brochure or contact the Church office to learn more.
