Sacraments

In common with other Protestant traditions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) recognizes two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which were instituted by Christ. In the Sacraments, God’s promises to us are made visible and tangible through the ordinary elements of water, bread and (unfermented) wine and the words and actions that accompany them.

Baptism is a sacrament of Christian initiation. As an individual is cleansed by the waters of Baptism, the whole congregation is reminded of God’s everlasting covenant with us in Jesus Christ. Members of the Meeting House who wish to nurture their children in the Christian faith are encouraged to present them for Baptism. Baptism is the same sacrament for both adults and children: the Presbyterian Church (USA) 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 (also known as the Eucharist or Holy Communion) is the Sacrament of Christian renewal and sustenance. When we come to the Lord’s table, we give thanks for God’s mighty acts of creation and salvation. We remember Christ’s sacrificial death for us, enter into communion with the living Christ and with others of the family of faith, and look forward to the day when God’s reign will be fully realized. The PCUSA observes an “open communion”: all baptized Christians, including children, are invited to share in the Sacrament, recognizing that it “is not a right conferred on the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance and love” (Directory of Worship, W-2.4011a).

At the Meeting House the Lord’s Supper is observed every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. service, and on the first Sunday of even-numbered months at the 11:00 a.m. service. Gluten-free communion wafers are available at each communion service.