Sacraments

For young children —Parents meet with a pastor in order to explore the history and meaning of Baptism, personal reflection and sharing of faith journeys, as well as practical information for the Baptism.

For youth —Youth are invited to speak with a pastor about profession of faith and participating in the confirmation process as part of learning about the sacrament of Baptism and what it means to claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

For adults —Adults who have not previously been baptized are invited to speak with a pastor about profession of faith and discussion of the sacrament of Baptism and its many meanings for life in the Body of Christ we call the church as well as professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Baptism is not a private ceremony; it is a sacrament of the entire Church, involving God, the congregation, the pastor(s), parents and children. Therefore, Baptism is celebrated in a service of public worship and is accompanied by the reading and proclaiming of the Word.

No. The congregation as a whole, on behalf of the Church universal, assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized person in the Christian life. For any person who is being baptized, sponsor(s) may be appointed by the session in consultation with those desiring Baptism.

No. Baptism is a celebration of the free grace of God in our lives.

For those desiring the Sacrament of Baptism for their children or for themselves shall be make vows that profess or reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, renounce evil and rely on God’s grace, declare their intention to participate actively and responsibly in the worship and mission of the church, and promise to provide for the Christian nurture of their child. Those presenting children for Baptism shall promise to provide nurture and guidance within the community of faith until the child is ready to make a personal profession of faith and assume the responsibility of active church membership.

The congregation will profess its faith, using the Apostles’ Creed, voice its support of those baptized, and express its willingness to take responsibility for the nurture of those baptized.

Baptism is a sacrament, celebrated in worship. Taking pictures during the worship service is strongly discouraged. However, the pastor(s) will be glad to share in a time of pictures after the worship service.

God’s grace is stronger than any child’s crying. Relax and enjoy the moment, which may be all the more memorable for a bit of vocal expression!

Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ. Baptism points us back to the grace of God expressed in Jesus Christ, who died for us and was raised for us. As one of two sacraments of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Baptism is the sign and symbol of inclusion in God’s grace and covenant with the church. Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. Children of believers are to be baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste.

Baptism signifies the beginning of life in Christ, not its completion. Baptism calls to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship. Baptism calls for decision at at every subsequent stage of life’s journey. Baptism commissions the church for ministry to the world.

Call the church office to speak to our pastor, Laura Conrad. Together, you may select an available date and arrange for your preparation class. Baptisms are celebrated at both the 8:30 am worship service and the 10:45 am worship service. Baptisms are approved by the Session.

When a child is being presented for Baptism, ordinarily the parent or parents or one(s) rightly exercising parental responsibility shall be an active member of the congregation. The Session may consider a request for the Baptism of a child from a Christian parent who is an active member of another congregation.

Following Christ’s example, the minister serving at the Lord’s Table takes bread and wine, gives thanks for them, breaks the bread, pours the wine, and gives them to the people. The people then eat and drink.

By taking part in these actions, we remember the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, give thanks to God, share God’s love with one another, and look forward to the coming of God’s reign in all its fullness. These are only some of the dimensions of this “mystery of grace.”

All who are baptized, regardless of denominational affiliation, are invited to participate. If you are not baptized and feel led to partake, please speak with a pastor about your interest in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Baptized children may receive communion, but participation in our Children’s Worship education for 1st and 2nd graders before taking communion is highly recommended.