There are two sacraments that are recognized by the United Church of Christ: Baptism and Communion.

There are two sacraments that are recognized by the United Church of Christ: Baptism and Communion.

“The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. And inasmuch as the promise of the Gospel is not only to us but also to our children, baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the mark of their acceptance into the care of Christ’s Church, the sign and seal of their participation in God’s forgiveness, and the beginning of their growth into full Christian faith and

discipleship.” These words begin the order for the sacrament of baptism in our United Church of Christ Book of Worship.

As a congregation of the United Church of Christ, “We believe that all of the baptized ‘belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.’ No matter who - no matter what - no matter where we are on life’s journey - notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class, or creed-we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith”

Why is water used? Water is an essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible – the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of Israel through the sea, the water of Mary’s womb, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus’ washing of the feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present in the service of the United Church of Christ, the mode of baptism is a matter of choice.

Some traditions use sprinkling, some pouring, and some immersion. Who is baptized in the UCC? Infants, children, youth, and adults.

What words are used? The Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ encourages the use of language recognized in most Christian churches: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The second sacrament of the UCC is Communion. Holy communion is a feast of love, justice, and unity. The Lord’s Supper is the central symbol of the intimate relationship we share with Jesus Christ. The United Church of Christ proclaims that “all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ’s table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church.”

We believe in and celebrate an Open Table, where all are welcome. Christ extends the invitation; we simply provide the elements – bread and the fruit of the vine. Christ blesses these simple elements and us as we share them as one body in His name.

What is the origin of Communion? The communion meal recalls the table fellowship Jesus shared with his disciples, and in particular the Last Supper on the night before his death as well as his appearances to the disciples during meals following his resurrection.

What is the meaning of Communion? The sacrament of Holy Communion means “thanksgiving.” Christians hear, taste, touch and receive the grace of God

revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way. Communion is:

 A joyous act of thanksgiving for all God has done, is doing, and will do for

the redeeming of creation;

 A sacred memorial of the crucified and risen Christ, a living and effective

sign of Christ’s sacrifice in which Christ is truly and rightly present to those

who eat and drink;

 An earnest prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit to unite those who

partake with the Risen Christ and with each other, and to restore creation,

making all things new;

 An intimate experience of fellowship in which the whole church in every

time and place is present and divisions are overcome;

 A hopeful sign of the promised Realm of God marked by justice, love and

peace.

How is Communion served? A variety of practices are found in the UCC, including

the sharing of a common loaf or the use of individual wafers or cubes of bread

and the sharing of a common cup or individual cups either at the Table or in the

pews. The pastor presides at the Table, normally assisted by elders or deacons.

Who may receive Communion? In most UCC local churches, the Communion

Table is “open to all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to

share in the community of God’s people.” (Book of Worship). Practice in children

partaking of communion varies with individual churches, but increasingly children

are welcomed to the Table at their parents’ discretion following a period of

instruction about the sacrament’s meaning.