At Broad View United, we believe every milestone in life is a gift from God to be cherished, honoured, and shared in community. From baptisms to weddings to funerals, we walk alongside you with compassion, care, and joy. These moments of celebration, transition, and remembrance are held with deep respect and love.
Funerals & Memorials
Weddings
We’re delighted that you’re thinking of getting married in our church! It would be an honour to support your and your partner’s desire to begin your new life together, grounded in Spirit and in the presence of family and friends. We are a community that embraces love in all its diversity. Love is love is love.
Broad View United is pleased to celebrate marriages of:
â—Ź All sexual orientations
â—Ź All gender identities
â—Ź Previously divorced people
â—Ź Couples of different religions
FAQs
1. Arrange to meet with the minister of your choice at least a month before the date of your wedding. This can happen online or in person. If you’d like to attend a marriage preparation course, our ministers can guide you in that regard, but it’s not strictly necessary.
2. Obtain a marriage license. In Victoria, you may get a license at any London Drugs Customer Service Counter in the Capital District or the BC Vital Statistics Agency. This license must be in the hands of the minister at least one week before the wedding service. The license is good for three months, and we suggest that you obtain it early—one less thing to think about!
When you meet with the minister, you will plan the wedding ceremony together. Our ministers are open to your suggestions and understand that this is a very special day in your life as a couple. We want the ceremony to reflect your love and your relationship as much as you do!
As church weddings are religious services, you can expect an order of service with a spiritual component and religious language that resonates with you as a couple. Rest assured, all legal requirements in the province of BC are met in this service of marriage. If you are not Christian and would prefer a service that is more multi-faith in its approach, we are happy to accommodate this request.
The minister will happily work with you regarding music choices and options to make your wedding meaningful for you both. It is the policy of Broad View United that the incumbent ministers of this congregation perform the service. From time to time, we may share with a minister of another denomination. Please consult with the minister performing your service.
Rehearsals are important for lowering everyone’s anxiety. If the wedding is formal, the wedding party should expect to spend 30–45 minutes at the rehearsal. If your wedding is small and intimate, the minister will advise you about the kind of rehearsal you need, if any. Arrangements are made with the minister regarding the date and time of the rehearsal.
Baptism
Baptism – a rite of passage for all ages!
Baptism is a symbolic ritual designed to open us to new life in God within a church community. This sacrament serves as an initiation into Christianity, a first step taken in one’s personal journey of faith. It is offered to people of all ages, all gender identities, all family configurations,
and 2SLGBTQIA+ people without condition.Â
Because we believe the gift of God’s love doesn’t depend on our ability to understand it, we baptize infants, children, youth, and adults alike.
Baptism in the United Church is recognized by all denominations of the Christian church that practice infant baptism. Similarly, if people have already been baptized in another church, the United Church recognizes their baptism and welcomes them as Christians.
Because Jesus was baptized with water, and water has long been recognized as a symbol of life, renewal, and connection, water continues to play a significant role in the ritual. At the Baptismal Font in our Sanctuary, water is poured into a beautiful bowl designated for this purpose and then sprinkled on the child or adult by our minister. Baptism is usually offered as part of a regular Sunday worship service. The ritual, while simple, is deeply meaningful for everyone involved.
With an infant, it is not required that parents become members of the congregation. However, parents and the congregation are asked to make promises to support the child’s spiritual growth and development. To make these vows meaningful, we encourage families to get to know us first.
In the case of adult baptisms, our ministers will work with you to create a ritual that reflects your spiritual journey.
â—Ź First, attend worship several times so that you know who we are and how we live out our faith. Do our dreams and values align with your hopes?
● If you’re seeking an infant baptism, visit our Nursery and Children’s Program. Can you imagine your family participating in what BVU offers?
● Because families and individuals are often pulled in many directions, we know participation will look different for everyone. What matters most is your intention. Come as you are, whenever you can—you will always be welcome!
If you feel that you or your family would like to be part of our Christian journey, please contact one of our ministers. They will make all the necessary arrangements and guide you through the process.
Consider an Infant Service of Blessing instead. This can be done as part of a regular service or in a more intimate setting with only friends and family present. Your child will be named and blessed by our minister, and together we will express gratitude for the gift of your child’s life. For more information about this special service, please contact one of our ministers.
Baptism is not a requirement for God’s love. The United Church believes people who die without baptism are not condemned, lost, or damned. God’s love for us is a reality from the moment we are born; baptism is our celebration and recognition of that reality.
Memorials & Celebrations of Life
Helping you with your grief.
The ministers are available to you and your family at any time. Please call the church office and your request will be forwarded to them immediately. Our ministers can help you find the support and care that you need during this time of loss and transition.
The Service
Funeral or Celebration of Life services may be held in the Sanctuary, Chapel, Commons, or another location of your choosing. Our Sanctuary seats up to 300 people.
Our ministers will work with you to create a sacred and personalized service that honours, celebrates, and remembers the life of your loved one. Together, we will shape a meaningful liturgy and select music that reflects their life and spirit. If you wish to include a soloist or other special music, our music director can provide guidance and support.
Pictures and mementos may be displayed in the Sanctuary and/or the Commons, helping to tell the story of your loved one’s life and legacy.
Memorial services may also include livestream and hybrid options, allowing family and friends to participate from near and far. Ongoing support is available through our Spiritual Care Team as you journey through grief and remembrance.
Memorial Receptions
You may request a Memorial Reception following the service. The Commons accommodates up to 100 people, while the Hub accommodates up to 150. The church provides tea, coffee, and juice, and arranges volunteer servers. Families are invited to provide food trays and flowers for the tables. We will do our best to honour your requests as time and space allow.
Memorial Gifts
Gifts may be given at any time in memory of a loved one. Options include BVU’s Memorial Fund, or—through estate planning—the First Metropolitan United Church Foundation. Nationally, the United Church also welcomes gifts to the Mission and Service Fund or The United Church of Canada Foundation.
Information about Costs
Costs related to the services provided by Broad View United vary. Please contact the church office for more information.
