Events of our lives

ST Enoch’s church, Alexandra has witnessed many landmark events in the lives of the people of Central Otago 

Weddings, baptisms and funerals: 

our communities moments of gathering have been held for the past 150 years.

Today’s modern requirements for events are made possible through permanent computer, sound and vision systems.

For large events it is possible to link our church, lounge, and Alexandra Community House facilities via video and sound, facilitating attendances of over 350 people.  Catering for events can be organised.

Church (1 of 1).jpgFunerals

Christian funeral services differ from those of the secular world, though they contain many similarities. Christian funerals point towards the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and also offer spiritual comfort and support to the bereaved, as well as celebrating and remembering the life of the deceased. The minister will consult with the family to determine the exact order of the service and the particular reading, hymns, and remembrances that are included in the service.

The typical Christian funeral may include:

  • An opening statement lead by the minister. This includes prayer, a statement that shows support to the bereaved, an acknowledgment of those not present and the lighting of a candle.
  • Prayers and hymns / music are read and sung throughout the funeral.
  • Scripture readings taken from the Bible
  • A tribute / eulogy given by a close friend or family member honors the life and gifts of the deceased.
  • Friends, workmates, sporting associates may also provide tributes, remembrances of the deceased.
  • Photos of the deceased may be shown as part of the tributes.
  • The minister will offer words of encouragement, based upon scripture and the Christian understanding of life and death.
  • The service ends with closing words given by the minister. This may include the commendation and committal, or in the case of a burial this will occur at the graveside.

“The central doctrine of the Christian faith is the resurrection…

Christians should seek to make the occasion of death a time in which they reaffirm with joy the hope of the gospel.” Christian funeral services focus on our eternal life and God’s ability to give the grieving strength to cope with their recent loss.

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Weddings

The Christian view of marriage is a state instituted and ordained by God for the lifelong relationship between one man as husband and one woman as wife. It is to be considered the most intimate of human relationships, a gift from God, it is sacred, holy, and even central to the community of faith.

Matthew 19:3-6 (CEV)

Some Pharisees wanted to test Jesus. They came up to him and asked, “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”

Jesus answered, “Don’t you know that in the beginning the Creator made a man and a woman? That’s why a man leaves his father and mother and gets married. He becomes like one person with his wife. Then they are no longer two people, but one. And no one should separate a couple that God has joined together.”

For a theology of marriage click here

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Other Events

The church is available at the discretion of the minister for other events. Events must respect the Christian and sacred nature of the space.

Past events have included:

  • Mayoral election forum
  • Concerts
  • Conference style gatherings
  • Art and craft displays
  • Community meetings

Livestream

A live stream is a live video broadcast of an event over the internet. It means that distant friends and family are able to see and hear the proceedings, anywhere they have internet access.