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Baptism is a sign and seal of all of the benefits of the finished work of Christ applied by the Holy Spirit. In keeping with patterns established in the Old Testament this sign is to be applied to those who profess faith in Christ and their children.
Scripture teaches that the children of believing parents are members of the covenant community. We baptize them trusting that everything symbolized in the sacrament is or will become a reality in their lives. Services which include infant baptisms are celebrations as well as times for sober reflection. Parents make vows before God promising to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of Christ. Congregation members promise to assist the parents in that task. Baptism, however, does not confer faith or presume regeneration. Baptized infants must be nurtured in the faith in the hope that they will one day personally make a faith commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. The worship liturgy for a baptism reflects the joy and solemnity of the occasion as prayers, Scripture readings, explanatory remarks, and a hymn focus upon the sacrament.
We have found that our manner of serving the elements is especially helpful and meaningful to us as pastors, elders, and congregants. This manner of participation may be new for you, but we believe you will find it to minister deeply to you.
The sacrament of communion is a sign and seal of the grace of God in Jesus Christ. It is a sacrament for the people of God and is “the Gospel for our eyes” as the Word of God is the Gospel for our ears.
We believe in the real presence of Christ at this sacrament. That is, we believe that Christ is present by his Spirit in the administration of the elements of bread and cup.
When we use the Biblical language of “eating the body and drinking the blood of the Lord Jesus” (see John 6:51-58) we understand that, just as we derive our forgiveness from Him, so we derive our spiritual sustenance from Him. He feeds us, not with bread and cup that have been changed into his body, but with Himself as He is communicated to us by his Spirit.
We also understand that the proper administration of the sacrament requires the preaching of the Word. Therefore, all persons who know that they are sinners and have trusted in Christ alone to forgive their sin and restore them to fellowship with God are commanded to come to this table. We come not because of who we are but because of who Christ is and what He has done for us.
Please note the following guidelines, which will help us all to honor the Lord Jesus and benefit from this sacrament.
If you are not a Christian, we encourage you to come forward with others in the congregation and allow a pastor or elder to pray with you. While Scripture prohibits us from serving you the elements, it is our sincere desire to minister to you. We further encourage you to speak with one of the pastors following the service if you have questions or needs of any kind. We especially encourage you to speak with us about the Good News of the Gospel of forgiveness and freedom in Jesus.
Because we are covenantal, we encourage the participation of our children in this service. We encourage the whole family to come forward so that the elders are able to pray for those children who do not yet participate. Many of our children have completed the Communicants Class (offered to all sixth-graders and above) and are members of the church. Those children who have not yet joined the church may still participate in the Lord’s Supper if they have met with members of the Session to express their faith in Christ. If you believe that your child has trusted in Christ, but he or she is not yet a member, please see one of the pastors so that we may arrange to meet with you and your child.
Visitors and newcomers to St. Paul’s who are members in good standing of an evangelical church are encouraged to participate in this sacrament. If you have children who are believers and participate in the Lord’s Supper in your home church, please indicate to those serving who among your family may participate. May you be greatly encouraged as you remember the Lord’s death and feed upon Him in your hearts by faith.
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