Pages: Cover,  Intro,  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10

SACRAMENTS - NOT MAGIC

It may be useful at this point to say something about Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Holy Rites. Inevitably, in a free fellowship, there are differences of interpretation, but there is one spiritual understanding; namely, that through these means God helps us to experience His Presence, and seeks to lead us into ways of dedicated living. We do not regard the sacraments as magical; with grape juice being transformed into "the blood of Christ" or water becoming "holy water." All sacraments and holy rites are essentially spiritual experiences.

We observe the common practice of Infant Baptism in which the Christian family dedicates itself to the nurture of its child, in which the Church accepts responsibility for the provision of Christian nurture for the child, and in which God's Presence is made known. With us baptism for those who are mature is an outer and visible sign of their desire to seek cleansing of life from sin, and, as such, is the usual accompaniment of joining the Church. The method of baptism may be sprinkling (our most common custom), pouring or immersion; whichever will mean most to the person who is to be baptized.

We observe the Lord's Supper in most of our churches every month or every other month. Deacons receive plates of bread from the minister and pass them to the congregation. In like manner also the trays of tiny glasses of grape juice are distributed. By the reverent repetition of the acts and words of the Supper, we are reminded of our Lord's life and death and resurrection, assured of His spiritual presence, and united in fellowship with Him and with our fellow Church members. We invite all followers of Jesus to join with us in our services, regardless of their denominational affiliation.

National Association of Congregational Christian Churches
PO Box 288, Oak Creek, WI 53154
 

Pages: Cover,  Intro,  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9,  10