As a Christian church we believe in God revealed as the Creator, the Son - who is Jesus Christ, and the Holy
Spirit, who dwells in us and ministers to us and through us. Our heritage as a member of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) is of the Reformed tradition in the Christian faith.
What we believe about the Sacraments
As a Christian Congregation of the The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we believe that Baptism and the Lord's
Supper are Sacraments.
"The Reformed tradition understands Baptism and the Lord's Supper to be Sacraments, instituted by God
and commended by Christ. Sacraments are signs of the real presence and power of Christ in the Church,
symbols of God's action. Through the Sacraments, God seals believers in redemption, renews their identity
as the people of God, and marks them for service."
(Book of Order W-1.3033.2)
"The early Church, following Jesus, took three primary material elements of life--water, bread, and wine--to
become basic symbols of offering life to God as Jesus had offered his life. Being washed with the water of
Baptism, Christians received new life in Christ and presented their bodies to be living sacrifices to God.
Eating bread and drinking wine they received the sustaining presence of Christ, remembered God's
covenant promise, and pledged their obedience anew."
(Book of Order W-1.3033.1)
What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a special act of Christian worship that uses visible signs to present God's grace for us in
Jesus Christ. We believe that two sacraments were given by Jesus: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism
Through Baptism we are adopted and welcomed into God's family. In the water of Baptism we share in the
dying and rising of Jesus, who washes away our sins. We are made one with him, and with all who are joined
to him in the church.
"In Baptism, the Holy Spirit binds the Church in covenant to its Creator and Lord. The water of Baptism
symbolizes the waters of creation, of the flood, and of the Exodus from Egypt. Thus, the water of Baptism
links us to the goodness of God's creation and to the grace of God's covenants with Noah and Israel.
Prophets of Israel, amidst the failure of their own generation to honor God's covenant, called for justice to roll
down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24) They envisioned a fresh
expression of God's grace and of creation's goodness -- a new covenant accompanied by the sprinkling of
cleansing water. In his ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water. So, Baptism is the sign and seal of
God's grace and covenant in Christ.
(Book of Order W-2.3003)"
"Baptism enacts and seals what the Word proclaims: God's redeeming grace offered to all people. Baptism is
God's gift of grace and also God's summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls to repentance, to
faithfulness, and to discipleship. Baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for ministry
to the world."
(Book of Order W-2.3006)
"The water used for Baptism should be common to the location, and shall be applied to the person by
pouring, sprinkling, or immersion. By whatever mode, the water should be applied visibly and generously."
(Book of Order W-3.3605)
"Baptism is received only once. There are many times in worship, however, when believers acknowledge the
grace of God continually at work. As they participate in the celebration of another's Baptism, as they
experience the sustaining nurture of the Lord's Supper, and as they reaffirm the commitments made at
Baptism, they confess their ongoing need of God's grace and pledge anew their obedience to God's
covenant in Christ."
(Book of Order W-2.3009)
"As there is one body, there is one Baptism. (Eph. 4:4-6) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all
Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other
Christian churches."
(Book of Order W-2.3010)
Infant Baptism
The Bible declares that God claimed humanity as God's own "before the foundation of the world." (Ephesians
1:4)
Both believers and their children are included in God's covenant love. Children of believers are to be
baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste. Baptism, whether administered to those who profess
their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament. The Baptism of
children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith.
(Book of Order W-2.3008)
Baptism, therefore, usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age. Parents
bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that he or she be baptized. When an
infant or child is baptized the church commits itself to nurture the child in faith. When adults are baptized they
make a public profession of faith.
Baptism distinguishes children of those who believe in God's redemptive power from children of nonbelievers.
The water that is used symbolizes three accounts from the Bible's Old Testament: the waters of creation, the
flood described in the story of Noah, and the Hebrews' escape from slavery in Egypt by crossing the Red
Sea. All three stories link humanity to God's goodness through water.
Baptism signifies
* the faithfulness of God,
* the washing away of sin,
* rebirth,
* putting on the fresh garment of Christ,
* being sealed by God's Spirit,
* adoption into the covenant family of the Church,
* resurrection and illumination in Christ.
(Book of Order W-2.3004)
Unlike some denominations, Presbyterians do not require a person to be entirely immersed in water during
baptism. Baptism is received only once. Its effect is not tied to the moment when it is administered, for it
signifies the beginning of life in Christ, not its completion. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes that
persons of other denominations are part of one body of Christian believers; therefore, it recognizes and
accepts baptisms by other Christian churches.
Baptism is almost always administered as part of a worship service. In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
baptism must be authorized by the session of a particular congregation and performed by a minister.
The Lord's Supper (also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist)
In the Lord's Supper we are fed at the table of God's family. Through the bread that we eat and the cup that
we drink, the Lord offers us his body and blood. He renews our faith, and gives us the gift of eternal life. As
we remember that he died for all, and therefore also for us, we feed on him in our hearts by faith with
thanksgiving.
The Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord.
During his earthly ministry Jesus shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and
as an occasion for his own ministry." (Book of Order W-2.4001a)
Around the Table of the Lord, God's people are in communion with Christ and with all who belong to Christ.
Reconciliation with Christ compels reconciliation with one another. All the baptized faithful are to be welcomed
to the Table, and none shall be excluded because of race, sex, age, economic status, social class,
handicapping condition, difference of culture or language, or any barrier created by human injustice. Coming
to the Lord's Table the faithful are actively to seek reconciliation in every instance of conflict or division
between them and their neighbors.
(Book of Order W-2.4006)
The Lord's Supper is to be observed on the Lord's Day, in the regular place of worship, and in a manner
suitable to the particular occasion and local congregation. It is appropriate to celebrate the Lord's Supper as
often as each Lord's Day. It is to be celebrated regularly and frequently enough to be recognized as integral
to the Service for the Lord's Day.
(Book of Order W-2.4009)
The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to
the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith,
repentance, and love. In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and
brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and
renewal. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of
God's love and grace in Christ Jesus.
(Book of Order W-2.4011a)
For more information on the Lord's Supper, please click here:
www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/faq/lordssupper.html
Spirit, who dwells in us and ministers to us and through us. Our heritage as a member of the Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.) is of the Reformed tradition in the Christian faith.
What we believe about the Sacraments
As a Christian Congregation of the The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we believe that Baptism and the Lord's
Supper are Sacraments.
"The Reformed tradition understands Baptism and the Lord's Supper to be Sacraments, instituted by God
and commended by Christ. Sacraments are signs of the real presence and power of Christ in the Church,
symbols of God's action. Through the Sacraments, God seals believers in redemption, renews their identity
as the people of God, and marks them for service."
(Book of Order W-1.3033.2)
"The early Church, following Jesus, took three primary material elements of life--water, bread, and wine--to
become basic symbols of offering life to God as Jesus had offered his life. Being washed with the water of
Baptism, Christians received new life in Christ and presented their bodies to be living sacrifices to God.
Eating bread and drinking wine they received the sustaining presence of Christ, remembered God's
covenant promise, and pledged their obedience anew."
(Book of Order W-1.3033.1)
What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is a special act of Christian worship that uses visible signs to present God's grace for us in
Jesus Christ. We believe that two sacraments were given by Jesus: Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism
Through Baptism we are adopted and welcomed into God's family. In the water of Baptism we share in the
dying and rising of Jesus, who washes away our sins. We are made one with him, and with all who are joined
to him in the church.
"In Baptism, the Holy Spirit binds the Church in covenant to its Creator and Lord. The water of Baptism
symbolizes the waters of creation, of the flood, and of the Exodus from Egypt. Thus, the water of Baptism
links us to the goodness of God's creation and to the grace of God's covenants with Noah and Israel.
Prophets of Israel, amidst the failure of their own generation to honor God's covenant, called for justice to roll
down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24) They envisioned a fresh
expression of God's grace and of creation's goodness -- a new covenant accompanied by the sprinkling of
cleansing water. In his ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water. So, Baptism is the sign and seal of
God's grace and covenant in Christ.
(Book of Order W-2.3003)"
"Baptism enacts and seals what the Word proclaims: God's redeeming grace offered to all people. Baptism is
God's gift of grace and also God's summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls to repentance, to
faithfulness, and to discipleship. Baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for ministry
to the world."
(Book of Order W-2.3006)
"The water used for Baptism should be common to the location, and shall be applied to the person by
pouring, sprinkling, or immersion. By whatever mode, the water should be applied visibly and generously."
(Book of Order W-3.3605)
"Baptism is received only once. There are many times in worship, however, when believers acknowledge the
grace of God continually at work. As they participate in the celebration of another's Baptism, as they
experience the sustaining nurture of the Lord's Supper, and as they reaffirm the commitments made at
Baptism, they confess their ongoing need of God's grace and pledge anew their obedience to God's
covenant in Christ."
(Book of Order W-2.3009)
"As there is one body, there is one Baptism. (Eph. 4:4-6) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all
Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other
Christian churches."
(Book of Order W-2.3010)
Infant Baptism
The Bible declares that God claimed humanity as God's own "before the foundation of the world." (Ephesians
1:4)
Both believers and their children are included in God's covenant love. Children of believers are to be
baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste. Baptism, whether administered to those who profess
their faith or to those presented for Baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament. The Baptism of
children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith.
(Book of Order W-2.3008)
Baptism, therefore, usually occurs during infancy, though a person may be baptized at any age. Parents
bring their baby to church, where they publicly declare their desire that he or she be baptized. When an
infant or child is baptized the church commits itself to nurture the child in faith. When adults are baptized they
make a public profession of faith.
Baptism distinguishes children of those who believe in God's redemptive power from children of nonbelievers.
The water that is used symbolizes three accounts from the Bible's Old Testament: the waters of creation, the
flood described in the story of Noah, and the Hebrews' escape from slavery in Egypt by crossing the Red
Sea. All three stories link humanity to God's goodness through water.
Baptism signifies
* the faithfulness of God,
* the washing away of sin,
* rebirth,
* putting on the fresh garment of Christ,
* being sealed by God's Spirit,
* adoption into the covenant family of the Church,
* resurrection and illumination in Christ.
(Book of Order W-2.3004)
Unlike some denominations, Presbyterians do not require a person to be entirely immersed in water during
baptism. Baptism is received only once. Its effect is not tied to the moment when it is administered, for it
signifies the beginning of life in Christ, not its completion. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes that
persons of other denominations are part of one body of Christian believers; therefore, it recognizes and
accepts baptisms by other Christian churches.
Baptism is almost always administered as part of a worship service. In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),
baptism must be authorized by the session of a particular congregation and performed by a minister.
The Lord's Supper (also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist)
In the Lord's Supper we are fed at the table of God's family. Through the bread that we eat and the cup that
we drink, the Lord offers us his body and blood. He renews our faith, and gives us the gift of eternal life. As
we remember that he died for all, and therefore also for us, we feed on him in our hearts by faith with
thanksgiving.
The Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord.
During his earthly ministry Jesus shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and
as an occasion for his own ministry." (Book of Order W-2.4001a)
Around the Table of the Lord, God's people are in communion with Christ and with all who belong to Christ.
Reconciliation with Christ compels reconciliation with one another. All the baptized faithful are to be welcomed
to the Table, and none shall be excluded because of race, sex, age, economic status, social class,
handicapping condition, difference of culture or language, or any barrier created by human injustice. Coming
to the Lord's Table the faithful are actively to seek reconciliation in every instance of conflict or division
between them and their neighbors.
(Book of Order W-2.4006)
The Lord's Supper is to be observed on the Lord's Day, in the regular place of worship, and in a manner
suitable to the particular occasion and local congregation. It is appropriate to celebrate the Lord's Supper as
often as each Lord's Day. It is to be celebrated regularly and frequently enough to be recognized as integral
to the Service for the Lord's Day.
(Book of Order W-2.4009)
The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to
the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith,
repentance, and love. In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and
brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and
renewal. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of
God's love and grace in Christ Jesus.
(Book of Order W-2.4011a)
For more information on the Lord's Supper, please click here:
www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/faq/lordssupper.html
| What We Believe |
| Bethany Presbyterian Church 25. North West End Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603 (717)393-2690 Fax : (717)393-8444 Email: bethanypres01@yahoo.com |
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