BAPTISMS, WEDDINGS, & FUNERALS

Water cleanses us, feeds us, and renews life. The Scripture tells us that adults and children have been washed in the waters of Christian baptism. In Baptism, God changes us and welcomes us into the Christian community – the beginning of life in Christ. Babies that are baptized are loved by God in the midst of the Christian community. Adults who are baptized shed a life focused on earthly drives and experience life centered on the love of Christ. The rite of Baptism reminds us of the absolute, unconditional love of God, who claims us as God’s own child. God is at work within us and through us as we become believers of the Christian faith through this Holy sacrament. We recite the Book of Common Prayer that resounds with the ethics of Christian life.

Our Baptismal Font stands proudly at the epicenter of our worship space. The Font represents a visible, tangible symbol as to the mystery of God and our commitment to a Christian life. Through the “Thanksgiving Over the Water,” we revisit the story of God’s faithfulness and power. Baptism is a family story of faith throughout all of time.

Christ Church in Short Hills celebrates Baptism as a community on selected Sunday worship services throughout the year. Our clergy regularly offers classes for parents and godparents of babies in preparation for Baptism. We also meet one-on-one with adults that would like to be baptized. We welcome you to contact one of our clergy or speak with the Parish Office for more information.

The Sacrament of Marriage is a visible sign of God’s grace and love as you forge a united journey in a life of faith. Marital commitment shared amongst us at Christ Church in Short Hills celebrates diversity and God's blessing for all loving couples and families, regardless of gender or sexuality. We will work closely with you to provide spiritual guidance, unwavering support, and ongoing commitment as you plan your Wedding nuptials in our hallowed house of prayer.

Christ Church in Short Hills offers various facilities and program services to meet your desired wedding needs. We encourage you to contact the Parish Office, who can answer your preliminary questions in preparation for your blessed day. Once you have reserved the desired date, our Clergy, Choir Master and staff will help accommodate your planning for this sacred sacrament in the presence of God.

God is with you in times of personal loss. We are with you to mourn, remember and proclaim the grace of God’s gift of everlasting life and hope. Our community of friends and families shares your memories of loved ones, embracing your grief, and expressing an unwavering faith in God whose love is boundless and forever. Christ Church in Short Hills’ Clergy, Choir Master, leadership and staff will help you select Liturgy of scripture readings, inspirational remembrances and reflective music in devotion to the memories of your loved one in the fullest glory of God.

The beauty and peace of Christ Church in Short Hills offer a reverential setting for remembering loved ones lost, in the hope of Christ’s resurrection. Our nave can accommodate over 500 people and the Parish Hall is available to greet family and friends before and following the service. The Cooper Memorial Garden houses an intimate chapel for individuals and small groups to experience quiet solitude on a personal level. Please contact the Parish Office to discuss your desires in planning a funeral or memorial service.

MEMORIAL GARDEN SUBSCRIPTIONS

Interment in the Cooper Memorial Garden is available for $2,500.00. The proceeds are placed in the endowment and credited to the Cooper Memorial Garden Fund. For more information, contact the Parish Office.