Are you familiar with the term “Sacrament?” A Sacrament could be described as a Christian rite or ritual that is celebrated by the church. We as Methodists recognize two primary sacraments- Holy Baptism and Holy Communion that we observe in obedience to Jesus’ commands.
Regarding Holy Baptism, Matthew the Disciple gives us an account of Jesus command regarding Baptism. It is found in chapter 28, starting with verse 18. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
When a disciple is baptized, this is an outward sign that one has made a commitment to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord and become a part of the community of faith.
If you are a follower of Jesus but have never been baptized as a Believer, would you please speak to Pastor Tim in order to begin the process?
But what about Holy Communion, our second Sacrament?
Methodists, like other Protestants, view Holy Communion as a sacrament. It is a sacred act of worship ordained by Christ and a means by which God dispenses grace to believers. We, as Methodists, view Communion as a way to remember Christ’s sacrifice and experience God’s presence.
The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion and the Eucharist are all names for this sacrament celebrated by Methodists. Each of these names highlights an aspect of this act of worship.
According to This Holy Mystery, The United Methodist Church’s official document on communion, “The Lord’s Supper reminds us that Jesus Christ is the host and that we participate at Christ’s invitation.” Jesus invites us to take part in the special meal he ate with his disciples the night before his crucifixion, and other meals he shared in homes and on hillsides.
“The term Holy Communion invites us to focus on the self-giving of the Holy God which makes the sacrament an occasion of grace, and on the holiness of our communion with God and one another,” This Holy Mystery continues.
Finally, “Eucharist, from the Greek word for thanksgiving, reminds us that the sacrament is thanksgiving to God for the gifts of creation and salvation.”
There are no conditions for church membership or completion of a class required.
The baptized present are all invited, even if they belong to a different church.
Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of both of our Sacraments.