In the Event of Sickness
In the Event of Death
Counseling
Baby Blessing
Weddings/Marriages
Benevolence Policy
The church is a local body of baptized believers who are associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, observing the two ordinances (Baptism and The Lord’s Supper) of Christ, committed to His teachings, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth, (Hershel Hobbs). The first and foremost responsibility of the Pastor and his ministerial staff is to preach God’s Word and to proclaim the truth from a biblical perspective to those who will hear and obey. In addition, listed below are some specific services and/or activities all members can expect:
In the Event of Sickness
You or someone in your family should call the church office.
(856) 478-2511, Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Hospital visitation (normal visiting days are: Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Provide on site prayer, prior to surgery (if notified).
Home visitations (upon request).
James, in Chapter 5 verses 14 and 15, gives us specific directions. He says, "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders (Pastors) of the church; and let them pray over them anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins they shall be forgiven him." So if you are sick, you or someone in your family should inform the church. If you are scheduled for surgery and wish to have someone there to pray with you, notify the church.
In the Event of Death
In the event of death of an Active member, notify the church immediately if:
The family wishes to hold the memorial services here at the church.
You’d like assistance in choosing a funeral director.
The family wants assistance in preparing the order of service, obituary, etc.
The family wishes the church to host a repast.
Non-members:
All of the above except for the use of church facilities & repast.
Notify the church immediately when there is a death in the family, especially if the deceased is a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist. First of all the church family wants to share your grief and, at the same time, help you understand the inevitability of death. Secondly, if the funeral is to be held here at Mt. Calvary Baptist, we will assist in making funeral arrangements — choosing an appropriate date and time, making up the program for the Memorial Services and providing food for the family on the day of the Services. The final reason it is necessary to inform the church when there is a death in the family, special arrangements must be made within the church, such as the rescheduling or canceling of programs and/or activities. Special Note: Due to the nature of planning and preparation, we do not change the date of a wedding in order to have a Memorial Service.
In the event of the death of a family member who is not a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist, the church will be there in support of the family. We encourage the use of funeral homes for family members who are not members of this or any other local congregation. At the funeral home, we would still be actively involved per your wishes. Remember, it is one’s relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ that determines his destiny, not what is said or done at the Memorial Services.
Counseling
Make appointments for counseling by calling the church office (856) 478-2511
Counseling is available to members who feel the need of this service. Mt. Calvary has a staff of qualified members who specialize in such areas as finance, marriage resolution and/or family conflict, substance abuse and parenting. Appointments should be scheduled through the Church office.
Letters of recommendation are also provided for members who are in good standing with the church.
Baby Blessing
Baby blessings are held on any Sunday of each month. Parents will need to call the church office, (856) 478-2511 to have their child scheduled. Participants in the ceremony include parents, and one set of god–parents, who are actively involved with a Christian fellowship. Child must be 6 months or older.
Baby blessing is not a guaranteed blessing. It is the parents asking God to guide them in the rearing of their child. Therefore, unsaved parents, whether it be one or both, need to meet with the Pastor in order to determine their personal commitment in the blessing of a child.
Unwed parents who wish to have their baby blessed must, themselves, come before the church to restore their fellowship. Scripture references: Galatians 6:1-8. and I Corinthians 5:9-11. Therefore a counseling session with the pastor will be necessary.
Call the church to make an appointment with Pastor prior to date of baby blessing.
Weddings/Marriages
Christian marriages are to be done according to God’s Word. Couples who wish to have their wedding ceremony here at Mt. Calvary must receive pre-marital counseling prior to the ceremony. Call the church office (856) 478-2511 to schedule an appointment for an initial interview.
At the initial interview, pastor will explain Mt. Calvary’s procedures, which include:
- Pre-marital counseling
- Confirmation of date and time for ceremony
- Type of music
- Elements within the ceremony
- Church’s wedding coordinator
Benevolence Policy
Obtain a "Financial Assistance" Form, from the church office.
Return completed form to the office. (For Confidential matters, please contact the Pastor or Chairman of the Board of Deacons directly.)
The Benevolence Committee will make an appointment to meet with you.
Mt. Calvary’s motto: "A Going Church For a Coming Christ." Mt. Calvary’s visionary scripture: "For where there is no vision the people perish," (Proverbs 29:18). Therefore, it is from this perspective that this policy is developed. The meaning of the word Benevolence implies concern and well being for others; those who are less fortunate. Consequently, it is our duty, as a local body, to make a concerted effort to be concerned about those who are in need. Jesus commands us in Matthew 5:42 to "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." Isaiah 58:10 says, "And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul’ then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday."
So it is clear that we are to help those who find themselves in need, but it is also clear that we are to behave in a responsible manner in this area. "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust," (I Timothy 6:20a).
Following are the procedures for individuals seeking assistance:
1. Meet with a committee who will...
- Assess their immediate needs (food, shelter, etc.)
- Reaffirm their position in Christ or share the Message of Salvation with them.
2. Explore ways that will lead to financial/spiritual stability,
3. Develop a schedule for discipleship training and on-going contact, and
4. Be prepared to follow through with a meaningful outreach program.
