The rite of Infant Baptism or a Christening in the Name of the Triune God is a sacrament celebrated by the community of believers as a sign of initiation into the covenant of God's people, into the Christian Life of the community of faith. The Rite of Baptism is also available for adults.

Are you considering a naming ceremony for the baby? Naming ceremonies are part of a christening ceremony or a baptismal ceremony. These family rituals ease transitions and offer a warm welcome for your child into the world. Bringing the whole family and friends forward for a lifetime of support and caring.

Share this warm and joyous time together with family and friends to pledge your love, commitment, joy and hope for your child’s future. You may or may not relate to religion and yet you may realize the power of ritual in family life. But with the birth of your new baby, you will want to announce it from the highest mountain.

Have a christening or naming ceremony, secular baptism or non-religious ceremony. The ceremony has these main qualities:

1. Naming your newborn, toddler or child.

2. Welcoming your child.

3. Expressing solidarity with the parents.

4. Marking a commitment by the parents and others Offering an expression of the sense of wonder for the miracle of birth.

Every detail can be altered or adapted in any way. You can include a poem or music. Dedicate a tree to mark the birth of your child.

Godparents can be named or not. Instead of Godparents, you can have, Mentors, Spiritual Guides or Supportive Friends.

Your ceremony can take place in your home, a garden, at Grandma’s, in a chapel, at the park or on the beach. Create a memory to cherish, as you mark the arrival of your precious child in a naming, baptism or christening celebration your way.

Set the date, call us today at 901.350.4627 for your consultation.

Baby Blessings and Dedications
Celebrations of the community of faith marking the child as a member of the family of God, the faithful community.

House Blessing

Grave Blessing
The Blessing of a grave is a Christian practice that involves blessing the graves of the faithful departed. The ceremony is performed to asking for God’s mercy and to send his holy angels to watch over the graves and to count the departed among the saints in heaven. The ceremony is also a way to pray for the peaceful rest of the departed until the day of resurrection. It is a way of showing respect and honoring the memory of the departed. It involves holy water, prayers and scripture readings

Casket Blessing
A blessing is performed during a funeral service to bless the body of the deceased and remind them that they were baptized and initiated into the faith. The service includes the coffin/casket or urn being blessed with Holy Water, the draping of the pall, followed by the procession to the altar, prayers, readings and the Holy Eucharist

Pet Blessing

Please contact our office to schedule a blessing with one of our Priests, Deacons or Pastors. The number is 901.350.4627 or 501-644-4367

Weddings can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. We have ready-made services and ceremonies, or we can customize a service to be as unique as you are. Whether you want to have a service here in my office, at our church or at another church, in your living room at home, in the backyard, at the riverbank, or at any other venue, Rev. Gates is here to help and create the perfect ceremony for you.

As an Ordained minister with plenty of experience tying the knot, he knows just how important a memorable ceremony is. From the moment you meet Reverend Justin to the minute you walk down the aisle, he's here to help you celebrate your milestone with meaning.

Rev. Justin L. Gates does his very best to breathe life into your envisioned event. While he has plenty of pre-prepared sermons, he's happy to customize your service according to your beliefs and values. Whether you're hoping to get hitched at church, home, in his office, or at any other preferred venue, you can expect this seasoned celebrant to be there on time, ready to take your nuptials to the next level. Ceremony rehearsals are available upon request, ensuring you feel fully equipped as you embark on a brand-new chapter. 

TYPES OF WEDDINGS

Traditional

Elopements

Destination

Religious

Interdenominational

Interfaith

Humanist

Spiritual

LGBTQ+

Commitment Ceremonies

We offer religious and non-religious ceremonies.

Every funeral is difficult. Even for Christians. While they are difficult, they are also reverent and a mixture of grief and joy. Joy, because we are confident in the promise of God that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all of creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Such joy does not make our grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn.

At the time of death, people turn to the Church for rituals which allow them to recognize their loss, express their grief, remember to give thanks for the life of the one who died, mark the end of relationships which exist in this life, allow them to seek strength and comfort in their faith, and provide dignity and meaning to the end of life.

Not only is Rev. Justin a professional officiant, he has also a licensed funeral director with expeirence is all aspects of funeral service. As such, he knows what is needed to be done to ensure the service flows smoothly.

We will do what we can to provide a fitting and meaning filled funeral for your loved one. We recognize that, upon the death of one we love, there are many arrangements to be made and concerns to be settled. Therefore, we will strive to make your experience here as easy and well supported as possible. We work along with your funeral home of choice; but should you need assistance, we are more than happy to assist you in choosing a provider to fit your needs.

Whether it’s a more solemn, traditional service, religious, a celebration of life party or something in between, we will work to meet your needs and vision for your loved one’s funeral or event.

Please contact our office to schedule an officiant or priest to conduct the funeral and celebration of your loved one. You may also have your funeral director contact us at 901.350.4627 or 501-644-4367.

Rev. Justin L. Gates is available for special speaking engagements. These include but are not limited to: Sunday guest preacher, revivals, camp meetings, Bible Conferences, etc.