Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we say yes to God, who embraces us as children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God. The outward and visible sign of baptism is water, in which the person is baptized in the ancient name of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptisms take place on Sundays regularly throughout the year during a celebration of the Eucharist, and at the Great Vigil of Easter, giving the opportunity for the whole community to welcome new members and promise to support them.

Baptism is available to adults who are ready to commit themselves to Christ. They prepare by participating in a series of Commitment and Faith classes. We baptize infants whose parents and sponsors promise that they will be brought up within the Church, to know Christ and be able to follow him. We make special arrangements to meet the individual needs of older children presented for baptism. For all, baptism marks the end of a time of preparation and the beginning of a life lived in committed relationship in Christ and with all of God's creation.

Holy Eucharist

Also known as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, Mass or the Liturgy, this is the central act of worship of the Christian people, celebrated every week. In the Eucharist our union with Christ given through baptism is celebrated and renewed. We listen and respond to the Scriptures interpreted by preaching, pray for God's world, and offer bread and wine in commemoration and thanksgiving for Christ's life, death and resurrection. Then we receive Christ into our hearts by faith as we eat the bread and drink the wine, which have been consecrated in prayer as his Body and Blood. The Eucharist ends with our being sent out to express God's loving action in the world. The consecrated bread and wine is also taken to members who are sick or shut in. God invites all to receive Christ in this way, so the Eucharist is open to all. We encourage any who have not yet been baptized to talk with one of the clergy or pastoral staff about exploring this commitment.