United Methodist Sacraments
Baptism: This is the first of two
sacraments United Methodists observe. It is a sign of
entry into the church. John Wesley, our founder under
God, made this useful remark about baptism:
“Baptism is not only a sign of profession and
mark of difference whereby Christians are
distinguished from others that are not baptized; but
it is also a sign of regeneration and new
birth.” (Book of Discipline) We always mean
Baptism to be more than an empty ritual, and we look
for God’s participation in the event. That is
why we take this sacrament seriously, urging at least
one of the parents to be an active, participating
member of our church family. At the same time, because
we understand baptism to be a joyful celebration for
the church as well as family and friends, we remain
invitational about this sacrament. We are always
willing to work with those desiring Baptism for
themselves or their children.
Communion: This is our second
sacrament. It is variously referred to as “Holy
Communion,” “The Lord’s Supper,”
or the “Eucharist.” In our Methodist
tradition one does not need to be a member to receive
this sacrament. We view this sacrament as a sign of
God’s grace freely extended to all people, and we
thus encourage all, by faith, to receive this sacrament.
We usually observe this on the first Sunday of each
month at each of our three services. The traditional way
of receiving this sacrament in our tradition it to come
forward to the “communion rail,” and to
kneel and receive a small piece of bread and a small cup
of grape juice (never alcoholic) as signs of the body
and blood of Christ. This is a memorial feast as well as
a means of grace. At some of our worship services we
receive this sacrament by “Intinction.” This
means that as people come forward they remain standing,
and receive a piece of bread which they lightly dip into
the chalice containing grape juice. Then return to their
seats. Some elect to pause a moment and kneel before
they return to their seats. Because there is no
membership requirement for this sacrament, it is a
powerful sign of our inclusiveness as a congregation and
church.
