BAPTISM, WEDDINGS, AND 
MEMORIAL SERVICES

BAPTISM

Baptism is offered for all ages, preceded by conversations with parents for those under 13. It is the celebration of the gift of life and inclusion in the Christian community. Therefore, those desiring it for themselves or their children are expected to be members of our congregation or another for which we serve in the event of family connections.

Our ministers baptize by sprinkling water from the baptismal font. When we baptize infants and small children, we emphasize that God's love comes before any conscious response on our part. The congregation offers its understanding and support to the child and promises to join the parents in showing God's love for all. When adults are baptized, we emphasize that faith also requires a response of commitment on the part of those who choose to be followers of Christ.

The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated at the 10 AM worship service and may be arranged by emailing Rev. Katrina Forman at kforman@unioncong.org or by calling the church office at 973-744-7424 (correct with direct dial).

WEDDINGS

Imagine beginning your married life inside a 100-yr old stone church, under soaring, timbered ceilings lit by iron chandeliers, and surrounded by Tiffany stained glass windows. Union Congregational Church is a historical, sacred space which welcomes you, body and soul. 

Weddings at Union Congregational Church range from simple to elaborate, from traditional to innovative. We are committed to helping couples plan a service that reflects their desires and expresses the uniqueness of their relationships. 

All are welcome. We make no requirements of faith. If you are a same gender couple, you are welcome. If you haven't attended church in a long time, you are welcome.

For more information about weddings at Union Congregational Church, including a full gallery of photos, please click here to go to www.weddingsatunion.org. Contact our wedding coordinator by clicking here to complete the wedding inquiry form or by calling Meg Ramsey at 201-892-4866.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

We acknowledge that we only know a small piece of life. We trust that as we were with God before we were born, so we shall be after we die. We give thanks that God moves with us from life through death to life again.

It is most helpful to us as individuals and to our families, if we provide information about our lives and about our wishes for a funeral or memorial service prior to that information being needed. The church has forms that are useful and keeps the information on file. When the need arises, times for memorial services or funerals need to be cleared with the church prior to any public announcement of them. The officiating clergy meet with family members in preparation for such services.

Traditions are changing. The one-time pattern of a visitation/viewing/wake at a mortuary, followed by a funeral service with the body present at church and committal at a cemetery is still practiced. Currently and more often, we have a memorial service at the church with a reception afterward. This may be preceded or followed by interment of the person’s remains in the church’s memorial garden or at a cemetery.

Please contact Rev. Katrina Forman at the church office by calling 973-744-7424 (correct with direct dial) or emailing Rev. Forman at kforman@unioncong.org . You can call also the church office at 973-744-7424 or email infoucc@unioncong.org regarding scheduling, memorial forms, for information about planned giving, and for information about the Essex County Memorial Society, which provides information about costs and alternatives.

About Our Centennial Memorial Garden                                                                      The garden was revitalized in Fall 2013 following the building restoration. The garden has a serene sculpture and benches for reflection. If you are interested in learning more about interment of ashes or scheduling a service, please contact the church office at 973-744-7424 or infoucc@unioncong.org.