1. I would like to have my baby dedicated. What do I need to do?
Dedicating a child acknowledges God's sovereignty not only over the child, but also the parents. Parents present their child before God and His people asking for grace and wisdom in carrying out their responsibilities. It is required that the pastor counsels with the parents about the meaning of the baby blessing and the responsibilities of the Guardparents. The primary Guardparents must be a married couple. Contact the church office at 713-674-4435 to schedule counseling session(s) and the Baby Blessing Ceremony.
2. I know someone having financial difficulty. What can the church do to help?
We believe the church has a spiritual obligation to minister to the whole person, including the material needs. We remain committed to assisting those in need with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter to the best of our ability. When members of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church are in distress, please contact the church office to schedule a meeting with the Benevolence Committee. The committee meets on Fridays.
3. My relative has passed away, how can the church assist me in this time of bereavement?
The pastor, church leaders and the members of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church are sympathetic and sensitive to the needs of families in bereavement. It is our mission to assist in any way that we can to make this transition easier. There are basic courtesies extended to each family with sincere regard. Upon the death of a church family member, the church office should be contacted immediately at 713-674-4435. The office staff and the Bereavement Ministry are available to assist the family in preparing final arrangements. After notification to the church office, the family will be given a bereavement packet which provides detailed guidelines. The packet includes information on the required order of service for the program and guidelines to assist with additional planning. Pastor Jones must approve all GMBC funeral services to ensure planning is accomplished in a manner that will console and preserve the dignity of the family.
4. I would like to use the Dr. Hayward Wiggins Multi-Purpose Facility. Who do I contact?
The Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church is blessed to have available a 10,000 square foot multi-purpose facility which may be used to accommodate a wide variety of events (e.g., banquets, receptions, meetings, workshops, etc.). The multi-purpose facility is equipped with classrooms, restrooms, and a commercial kitchen. Events are approved based on our church's philosophy and schedule. Information and a fee schedule are available upon request by contacting the church office at 713-674-4435.
5. I want to attend a service, but don't have a way to get there. Can the church help?
The Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church is committed to providing van transportation for all worship services and for other church related activities. Arrangements should be made with the church office at 713-674-4435 for regularly scheduled services at least two hours prior to the service.
6. How do I let the church know that someone is ill?
If a person needs to report a member or relative that is sick or hospitalized they should contact the church office at 713-674-4435. The caller should provide the name, location (hospital, nursing home, etc.), tribe (if member) and any other relevant information.
Note on visitations: It is our prayer that the church will understand the physical time restraints of the pastor. Therefore, it may be necessary to designate an associate minister, deacon/trustee or a representative to fulfill this obligation in his absence.
7. I want to get married at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church. What do I need to know?
The pastor and members of the Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church celebrate marriage and believe it is an honorable institution and should not be entered into lightly or unadvisedly. The pastor requires counseling sessions with the couple at least three months prior to the wedding date. All formal weddings are held on Saturdays between the hours of 12:00 noon and 5:00 p.m. However, no weddings are to be scheduled on the first Saturday of the month. The Dr. Hayward Wiggins Multi-Purpose Facility may be reserved for the rehearsal dinner and/or wedding reception. Wedding information, which includes a contract and fee schedule, is available upon request by contacting the church office at 713-674-4435. Offsite weddings may incur additional fees. Note: the use of the building for weddings is for members only.