Sacraments Celebrated in Our Church.       

 Denominations often differ over what they recognize as sacraments. Some recognize as many as seven sacraments, others have no sacraments in the life of the church. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Baptism

Baptism is a fresh expression of God's grace and of creation's goodness -- a new covenant accompanied by the sprinkling of cleansing water.  In his ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water.  So, Baptism is the sign and seal of God's grace and covenant in Christ.  The body of Christ is one, and Baptism is the bond of unity in Christ.  As they are united with Christ through faith, Baptism unites the people of God with each other and with the church of every time and place.  Barriers of race, gender, status, and age are to be transcended.  Barriers of nationality, history, and practice are to be overcome.

 Baptism, whether administered to those who profess their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament.

The Baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. When a child is presented for Baptism, those presenting the child promise to nurture and guide the child in the community of faith until he or she is ready to make a personal profession of faith and assume the responsibility of active church membership.

Baptism of those entering the covenant upon their own profession of faith witnesses to the truth that God's gift of grace calls for fulfillment in a response of faithfulness.

The congregation as a whole, on behalf of the Church universal, assumes responsibility for nurturing the baptized person in the Christian life. 

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian churches.

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord.  During his earthly ministry Jesus shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and as an occasion for his own ministry.  He celebrated Israel's feasts of covenant commemoration.  In his last meal before his death Jesus took and shared with his disciples the bread and wine, speaking of them as his body and blood, signs of the new covenant.  He commended breaking bread and sharing a cup to remember and proclaim his death.

 The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love.  In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal.  Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of God's love and grace in Christ Jesus.

Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited to receive the Lord's Supper, recognizing that their understanding of participation will vary according to their maturity.

 The Lord's Supper at First Presbyterian is normally celebrated on the first Sunday of each month and at other special times in the church calendar. Recipients remain seated while each of the elements of bread and grape juice are passed and are held until all have been served.