Embodied Signs of God’s Love

In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), sacraments are not abstract rituals or private spiritual acts—they are tangible, bodily encounters with the grace of God. In water, bread, and cup, we meet Christ in the ordinary stuff of life. These simple elements draw us into God’s story and send us out to live it with our whole selves.

The early church understood water, bread, and wine as more than symbols. They are physical reminders that God’s love is not distant—it meets us in our human experience. In baptism, we are washed, named, and embraced as God’s own. At the Lord’s Table, we are fed, forgiven, and bound together in Christ’s love for the sake of the world.

In the Reformed tradition, we celebrate two sacraments: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper (Communion). Both are acts of public worship, shared within the gathered community, led by a Minister of Word and Sacrament with the participation of elders.

Baptism

Baptism marks the beginning of the Christian journey—a once-for-all sign and seal of belonging to Christ. In baptism we:
Celebrate God’s initiative—God claims us before we can claim God.
Experience the washing away of all that separates us from God.
Rise to new life in Christ and commit to follow in God’s way.
Receive the Spirit’s mark for service in the world.

We baptize people of all ages, including infants, as a witness to God’s love that embraces us before we can respond. Whether the water touches us at a font or in a river, baptism is a whole-body sign of God’s promise, shaping how we live every day—as forgiven, beloved, Spirit-empowered people.

Every time we baptize someone, the whole congregation participates. We reaffirm our own baptismal promises and commit to be in covenant with the newly baptized—loving, supporting, and nurturing them as a member of Christ’s body, just as God loves and nurtures us.

The Lord’s Supper (Communion)

At the Table, we receive the life of Christ into our own bodies. Here, bread is broken and the cup is shared as a foretaste of God’s banquet, where all are welcome.

When we eat and drink together, we:
Experience Christ’s real and sustaining presence.
Remember God’s promises and renew our baptismal vows.
Reconcile with one another and commit ourselves to love and service.
Join in communion with the church throughout the world and all the saints in heaven.

The PC(USA) practices open communion: all who are baptized or feel called by Christ are welcome, not because we are worthy, but because Christ welcomes us.

We share Communion monthly and on special holy days (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, World Communion Sunday, Christmas Eve).

“The Sacraments are more than moments in worship—
they are invitations to live sacramentally every day.
When we wash dishes, we can remember our baptism.
When we break bread, we can remember Christ’s welcome.
In all our living, we can embody God’s grace in the world.”