We believe in two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion (the Lord’s Supper), which were both practiced by Jesus. The sacraments are to be celebrated within the gathered Church. Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are both signs and means of God’s grace, meaning that they help us remember and experience the love, acceptance, and forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. Holy Baptism is the sacrament a believer receives once during his or her life.
Baptism connects us with God’s mighty acts of salvation and His Church. We are not “saved” at the moment of Baptism; rather, salvation happens when we invite Jesus into our life as our personal Savior and Lord. Though we still sin after Baptism, we do not need to be re-baptized. Rather, we renew our faith by confessing our sins to God, turning away from that sin, and reaffirming our faith in Christ alone.
Holy Communion reminds us of the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples in the Upper Room as He prepared them for His death on the cross. The bread and grape juice are symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, which were broken and shed for our sin.
In Holy Communion, the Holy Spirit meets us where we are and administers grace—forgiveness, mercy, and the power to be God’s people in the world. Holy Communion is open to anyone, regardless of church membership, with these two guidelines: (1) a personal confession of sin in the name of Jesus (in private, silent prayer) and (2) the desire to take one step closer to Jesus Christ, wherever you are on your spiritual journey.
