Disciples Sacraments

A sacrament is a window that helps us to see God or feel God's presence in a special way. Communion and baptism are the two sacraments of Disciples of Christ.

The Lord's Supper is celebrated every worship service. It is the heart of our worship. It is celebrated in remembrance of Christ and Christ's life on earth. It is celebrated in fellowship - drawing the congregaton closer together. It is celebrated in thanksgiving for the forgiveness of sins and renewal of life. It is celebrated in dedication to Christ's ways. Everyone, including children, is invited to share in this meal if you are seeking a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

"...This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24

As he began his adult ministry, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It has been interpreted as his ordination. With that seemingly simple act, Christ instituted a holy sacrament that has grown complex in meaning and diverse in form.

Disciples believe that through baptism the church defines itself. The baptismal ceremony marks the line between church and world. Baptism is seen as a rite of the church that is conferred rather than chosen. The primary act is God's, and we respond through the voluntary testimony of faith in Christ.

Baptism is:

• for mature individuals who are old enough to make their own decisions
• by immersion in water the accepted New Testament practice
• a public confession of faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to discipleship
• symbolic of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection and of faith in life to come.

"Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism in death, so that... we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:4