MEMBER SERVICES

BAPTISM

BAPTISM is a Christian ordinance that symbolizes the death of the old nature of sin (our carnal selves) and a resurrection to a new life in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:3-8). It also symbolizes the cleansing power of His blood and an outward testimony of our faith in the Lord Jesus.

INFANT BAPTISM & DEDICATION is a ceremony in which parents and families make a commitment before the Lord to submit a child to God’s Will, and to raise that child according to God’s Word and God’s ways. We baptize babies because we believe it is an opportunity for the seed of faith to be planted in a child so when they are of age they will make a decision regarding their faith.

We offer three forms of Baptism at the Cathedral: Sprinkling, Pouring or Immersion.  

Baptisms take place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Candidates are asked to contact the office at 510-655-6114 for scheduling.

PASTORAL CARE

PASTORAL CARE is a term applied where Christians offer help and caring to others in their church or wider community. We feel that Pastoral care can be listening, supporting, encouraging and helping.  Too often we think of pastoral care as just visiting the home bound or those who are ill. Through associate ministers and leaders we regularly visit people in nursing facilities, in hospitals or in their homes. Additionally, we want to you to know we care about you. Therefore we listen.

• “Listening” means giving your full and undivided attention. It does not mean offering a solution to a problem or how to “fix” a situation.
• “Supporting” means offering the nurture and validation to an individual even if we don’t fully understand his or her needs.
• “Encouraging” means boosting someone’s faith and confidence through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• “Helping” means opening your heart to anyone you believe to be in need of pastoral care within our community of faith.

When we sense a need in someone, a simple “Are you OK?” may well open a floodgate. Our caring response to his or her needs is what pastoral care is all about.

BENEVOLENCE

When we say, “we care,” we’re not just spouting words. BMC has partnered with local agencies and organizations to provide services and be a resource to the homeless, the hungry, victims of domestic violence, and those who have been displaced by life circumstances. Our goal is to provide resources and referral opportunities to both members and non-members.

Services provided directly through our (Benevolence) Ministry are:

• Financial assistance with utility bills.
• Financial assistance with housing obligations.
   

Application Timeline:

• The Steward Board accepts applications the first week of every month.
• Staff and volunteers review, approve or deny requests within 7 – 14 days.

MARRIAGE

WEDDING

As a newly engaged couple faces the task of planning a wedding, you might find that every other decision will be based on the location of the ceremony. If you are active member here at BMC you should look no further. If you have your heart set on a church wedding planning ahead is necessary. As a guideline, try to book the church a year in advance.

PREMARITAL COUNSELING

The Bible shows us that marriage is a beautiful gift given from God to a man and a woman for the purpose of bringing Him glory and making us faithful. Godly marriage is often an image as Christ’s relationship with the Church. (Ephesians 5:31-33) Knowing this, we here at Beebe Memorial Cathedral take very seriously our responsibility to guide couples who moving toward marriage. To that end we offer pre-marital counseling opportunities. For more information please contact our office (510) 655-6114

BEREAVEMENT

The loss of a loved one can hurt deeply. Our mission is to provide spiritual support and comfort to individuals and their relatives who experience the death of a loved one. We strive to comfort and encourage those who are confined to their homes, hospitals and other health-care facilities due to illness or other medical conditions. And should your family suffer a death, we stand ready to serve and assist with funeral arrangements and other details.

Services provided are as follows:

• Memorial services, graveside services, homegoing services
• Referrals to cemeteries and funeral homes
• Telephone call support and visitations to homes, hospitals, nursing homes, Hospice programs, rehabilitation centers, etc.
   

CLICK HERE for more information about our Bereavement Ministry services.