The Sacraments at MUMC
We have two sacraments in The United Methodist Church, the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Baptism. Our theology of the sacraments includes these two – and not others as in other Christian traditions – because these are the two special acts in which Christ participated himself, and which he either instituted, as in the case of Holy Communion, or participated in and commanded us to do, as in the case of Baptism. We believe that in the sacraments, God is present to us in an act of grace, and that if we are open to the Spirit, God can and will do something incredible in us and through us in these experiences. We also believe that the sacraments are not private, but have been given as a gift by God to the Church as a whole, and thus are ordinarily – except under extraordinary circumstances – only to be observed and offered within the context of community worship. For more information or deeper study, the following publications are helpful (both available in the MUMC church library or by loan from the pastors):
- Baptism: Christ’s Act in the Church by Lawrence Hull Stookey (1982)
- Sunday Dinner: The Lord’s Supper and the Christian Life by William H. Willimon (2002)
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
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The Sacrament of Holy Communion is normally offered on the first Sunday of each month, and at other times during the liturgical year (e.g. Christmas Eve and Maundy (Holy) Thursday during Holy Week. Because the communion table belongs to Christ, he is the one who sets the table and offers the invitation. Therefore, no restrictions are placed upon who can receive the Sacrament. One need not be a member of the church or a United Methodist to receive; all are invited and all are welcome. In the case of children, the decision belongs to the parents, but parents are encouraged to discuss the meaning of Holy Communion with their children and so allow them to be served at the level of understanding appropriate for their age. (Adults often say that children cannot understand the full meaning of the Sacrament, but can any of us ever fully understand the totality of this “means of grace?”). Communion may be served in a variety of ways, depending on the setting. Individual cups and cubed bread or by intinction (dipping a piece of torn bread from a common loaf into the cup) are the most common methods used here at MUMC.
Because we want all to feel welcome at Christ’s Table, please note that, out of sensitivity to those who may struggle with involving alcohol, we use grape juice rather than wine in the Sacrament. We also regularly use – or have available – gluten-free bread for those with allergies.
The Sacrament of Baptism
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We hold clear beliefs regarding the sacramental nature of baptism as a means of grace (see above). Baptism is most commonly administered (and encouraged) in infancy, and is the beginning of a holy covenant relationship between God, the parents, and the church, with clear promises made by each party. The child appropriates that covenant for him/herself at the age of accountability when that child is confirmed into the adult membership of the church.
While we also affirm adult baptism (sometimes called “believer’s baptism”), such administration of the sacrament must also be accepted and understood in its sacramental context, as a gift of grace by God in Christ to the church, not just as a faith expression of the one being baptized. To see it solely in the context of a faith statement reduces it, we believe, from an act of God to an act of the person, and thus negates its sacramental nature.
Following the orthodox biblical teaching of Ephesians 4:4-6 (“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling: one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”), we do not “rebaptize” anyone, as is the case with some Anabaptist and independent/charismatic traditions which, while their doctrine may indicate a position of sacramental theology, their practice does not. To “rebaptize,” we believe, makes a mockery of the grace extended to us in our “one baptism” and is, we believe, an affront to God.
It is our practice, however, to recognize a baptism from all Christian traditions. Persons wishing to join our church must be baptized prior to being received, if they have not previously been baptized. If you desire baptism for yourself or your child, please contact the Church Office.