SERVICES AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS

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For members of our church, there are basic services available to you in your time of need. It’s important to note that while the church does its best to accommodate every request, there are times where we may have limited capacity due to resources or personnel.

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MEETING WITH PASTORS DEXTER OR LINDSEY

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​If you ever need to schedule an appointment with Pastor Dexter or Pastor Lindsey to discuss personal or ministry-related matters, please complete the form below.

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Schedule a Meeting with One of Our Pastors

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We know that your desire to meet with Pastor Dexter or Pastor Lindsey is very important to you.

Because their schedules are very busy, this form will help us identify how to best meet your need for a meeting.

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Please understand that Pastor Dexter or Pastor Lindsey may assign another Elder, Pastor, Minister or Staff Member to address your request in a timely fashion. Additionally, due to schedule conflicts, you may be offered an option to initially meet via phone or Zoom, versus in-person.

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BAPTISM OF INFANTS/BABY DEDICATION

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At New Vision, we believe that children are a blessing from the Lord. When requested, we do bless babies and dedicate their lives to the Lord. This service is available to members and non-members alike.

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It is important to note that baby dedication is not the same as infant baptism. We do not baptize babies; baptism occurs after an individual has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, knowing right from wrong and acknowledging their sins.

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Baby dedication is a brief ceremony where we cover the child in prayer and ask for God's favor and protection over their life. We also charge the parents and family to raise the child in the fear and admonition of the Lord.

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Parents are responsible to see that the child is introduced to the saving grace of Christ at an early age and brought up in the nurture and acknowledgment of the Lord.  

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Baby Dedication Guidelines and Procedures

• Due to the number of baby dedication requests we receive, we accommodate multiple families on 5th Sundays, during the worship service. Private dedications can be scheduled for a fee, according to pastoral availability.

• Pastor Upshaw will decide who performs the baby dedication; i.e. no special requests for a specific Elder, Pastor, or Minister. Pastor Dexter and Pastor Lindsey may perform the dedication or delegate the ceremony to a designated Elder, Pastor, or Minister

• New Vision is a friendly church with a unique culture. We understand that family members who are unchurched or from other religious traditions may attend to witness the baby dedication of your child. We ask you to share the following information with family and friends who are planning to attend

  • Service begins at 11:30 AM. Please be timely!

  • We stand during praise & worship, as a sign of reverence and respect. We understand if someone cannot stand due to physical or medical reasons.

  • Please avoid excessive walking in and out of sanctuary while Pastor is preaching

  • Everyone is asked to stay for the duration of the service.

 

The Baby Dedication Request Form must be completed online. Upon submission, the administration team will be in contact with you. 

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BENEVOLENCE HELP

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We realize that from time to time legitimate crises arise (housing, utility shut-off, unemployment, etc.) in which immediate assistance is needed. 

 

We have established a ministry called the Vision Resource and Empowerment Center (VREC) to assist you in finding referral-based services. Contact: 1-888-695-VREC or vresource.ec@gmail.com.

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FUNERALS 

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Pastors Dexter and Lindsey identify with your need for support from our church family during times of bereavement for the loss of a loved one.  Certain processes and procedures have been developed to serve, comfort, and minister to you in the event of the death of an immediate family member. Remember, it is your sole responsibility to contact the Administrative Office concerning the death of a loved one. Please contact our administrative offices at 203-384-1077 or complete our General Inquiry Form.​

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Please read our complete Funeral & Bereavement Guide.

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Because of Pastor Dexter’s itinerary, sometimes unable to commit to attending memorial services.  If this is the case, he will appoint one of the Elders or other ministers to be in charge of the service.  Particular requests and details should be given to the administrative office.  

In case of the death of a member of New Vision, it is your responsibility to convey to your family beforehand your home-going wishes, and the role of our ministry is to help so that such matters may be handled in the most delicate and organized manner possible.

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Please note: there is a fee for Pastor Dexter or his designee when he performs a eulogy. There may also be fees for usage of the sanctuary and utilization of staff members. These fees are separate and not covered by your regular giving of tithes and offerings.

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HOSPITALIZATION / ILLNESS

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If you are seriously ill or will be admitted into the hospital, you or a designated loved one are responsible for contacting the church. Please contact our administrative offices at 203-384-1077 or complete our General Inquiry Form.

 

Information given should include the name of the hospital, the reason for hospitalization, and key family members who may be reached for further communication and support. 

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Please try not to entrust a friend or other church members to pass such information along because oftentimes important details are lost, miscommunicated, or not handled in a timely manner.

 

Our ministerial staff rallies to care for you during these critical times. Every attempt will be made for someone from the ministerial staff to contact and/or visit you during your illness. 

 

James 5:14. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

 

WEDDINGS

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Because marriage is a very sacred and life-changing decision, Pastor will not personally sanction a union or administer marital vows without first having a period of time set aside for pre-marital education sessions with both individuals.  There are no exceptions to this condition.  

 

We realize there are sometimes many unique situations involved in the education process and we try to allow for these special situations with a biblical application.  To set education sessions, you must contact the administrative office.

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Members desiring to use the church facilities for a wedding must also submit to pre-marital education. All requests for pre-marital counseling and education should be directed to the church office. Please contact our administrative offices at 203-384-1077 or complete our General Inquiry Form.

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Please note: there is a fee for Pastor Dexter or designee when he performs a wedding and in addition, there are fees associated with the use of the facility for the wedding ceremony.  These fees are separate and not covered by your regular giving of tithes and offerings.