Sacraments

 

The Presbyterian Church celebrates two Sacraments, Baptism and The Lord's Supper.  

 

Baptism seals each of us with  Christ as one of God's people and as a member of the Body of Christ in the world.  Baptism is a sign of our dying with Christ in his death, and our rising with Christ  in His resurrection.  It is also the sign and seal of God's grace that saves and sustains our life, and of our participation in the covenant in Jesus Christ. Baptism is for the infant children of believers, as well as for children and adults making their own professions of faith.  Baptism is for life and is received only once.  Baptisms are authorized by the Session of the Church, and celebrated during a service of public worship by a minister of the Word and Sacrament.  The congregation vows to care for and support each person baptized, thereby undertaking the common role of godparents.  We recognize the Baptism of all Christian traditions and churches.

 

The Lord's Supper is communion with our risen Lord Jesus Christ, an offering of ourselves and our prayers of thanksgiving, and a sharing of the Bread and the Cup, which Jesus spoke of as his Body and his Blood.  Not just members, but all who would follow Jesus Christ are invited to take part in this Sacrament.  The Lord's Supper is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month (plus on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve annually) in a service of public worship.  On alternate months the elements are received by participants coming forward to take bread from a common loaf and dip in a common cup, or by remaining in the pews and receiving trays with individual cups passed by elders.  It is our custom to use grape juice instead of wine.  By prior arrangement, as an extension of this service in the church, the Communion may be taken to members confined at home or an institution.  This sacrament nourishes, strengthens and renews our life in Christ.