Communion and Baptism
Communion
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, meaning “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.
In our celebration of this feast, we welcome everyone to table. We believe that Christ prepares the meal and sets the table so that anyone who seeks a connection with Jesus Christ is invited to participate fully in this meal. We regularly share in this meal on the first Sunday of each month, and on special holy days.
We celebrate communion by the act of intinction - the congregation is invited to come forward to receive the bread and cup.
Baptism
Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognized by the United Church of Christ. A sacrament can be defined as “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” It is a public symbol and act which reminds us that God reaches out to us in love.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a joyous celebration of new birth, God’s free and undeserved gift, and the visible recognition of becoming a member of the Christian church. In the baptismal ceremony, which usually takes place before the congregation, a person becomes a member of the Church of Jesus Christ and is accepted into the church family, the community of faith. Baptism signifies that God has given us the gifts necessary for a meaningful life.
Planning for a Baptism
The request for baptism may be made through the pastor or the church office. Sufficient time should be allowed for counseling and preparation. The office will need the following information for the baptismal certificate and the church records: full name, birth date and place, full names of parents, including the mother’s maiden name, since a baptismal certificate can serve as a legal document.
Preparations
When you seek baptism, the church and pastor are responsible for preparing you for this sacrament so you can understand its meaning. If you are a parent seeking baptism for your child, you should understand its meaning for the child and your own responsibility toward your child and the church. This includes providing a Christian atmosphere of teaching, example and prayer in your home, taking your child to church as soon as he or she is able to be placed in one of the church school classes, and participating in the life of the church in order that you, too, can grow as a responsible Christian parent.
At What Age?
Children may be baptized at any time the parents desire; however, it is customary that it be done in the first few months after the baby is born. Baptism may occur at any time of life.
Where?
Ideally, baptisms take place in the sanctuary during regular worship services, except the first Sunday of the month which is a communion Sunday.
Any baptism which, because of unusual circumstances, is not held during a regular service, should include a representative of the congregation (usually the Senior Deacon).
Godparents
Sometimes parents will choose special people to stand with them as godparents. While this is not necessary, it can have meaning for the family. These persons, by their close friendship or family ties, represent one of the specific ways by which the congregation fulfills its pledge.
If you choose to have godparents, they should be baptized and active church members themselves and instructed in the meaning of baptism so they will fully understand their responsibility. Godparents are to support the parents in raising their child in the Christian faith.
Please contact the church office at 781-784-2631 to speak with the minister about a baptism.