The Sacraments
 Baptism
Baptism is a covenant entered into between the individual and God. It is an
expression of our faith and trust in God. For us, baptism means that we are
baptized into Community of Christ and
become members of that particular fellowship. Baptism also signifies commitment
to the universal task of Christianity to which the contributions of other
Christians are acknowledged and appreciated. Community of Christ requires that
persons reach the "age of accountability" before becoming baptized.
This became identified as at least eight years of age as early as the spring of
1831. The term "age of accountability" means more than a minimum age
for baptism; it also suggests that we are accountable to God for our decisions,
our resources, our whole lives. In the Community of Christ tradition, we baptize by immersion.
Emerging from the water symbolizes resurrection and the rising to a new life.
More
Confirmation
Confirmation, otherwise known as baptism of the Spirit, follows baptism by
water and completes a person's initiation into the church. The only prerequisite
for the rite of confirmation is that a person is baptized into Community of
Christ.
Confirmation sometimes occurs immediately following baptism in the same service
of worship. More often, however, several days or weeks elapse between baptism
and confirmation. Confirmation is administered by the laying on of hands. The
candidate sits in a chair and two elders lay their hands on the candidate's
head, one offering the prayer of confirmation. There are no prescribed words
that must be included in the prayer of confirmation.
More
 The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is the most frequently and widely observed of the
sacraments within the church. Usually celebrated on the first Sunday of each
month, it is unique among the sacraments in that each member participates
directly on a repeated basis rather than only once in a lifetime as with
baptism, confirmation and blessing.
More
Blessing of Children
The blessing of children recognizes the entrance of a new life into the
church community. It is based primarily on the Gospel accounts of Jesus
receiving and blessing children and symbolizes and demonstrates God's love and
concern for the child. Children from birth to the eighth birthday are eligible
for blessing. Normally children of members of the church are brought for
blessing some time during the first six months after birth. It is not unusual,
however, for older children and children of friends of the church to be blessed.
More
 Ordination
The sacrament of ordination is the procedure by which "calls" to
specific ministries in the church are both recognized and accepted in the lives
of individuals. It is the rite by which certain ecclesiastical privileges and
responsibilities are conferred. Ordination grants the authority to perform
certain duties. This authority is given to the individual by God and also by the
church. Although God's call is primary in the ordination process for the church, the individual's own sense of call is also important. Some persons
accept the call to be ordained only after they feel personal assurance that God
has indeed called them. Others accept as a result of faith in the process by
which calls originate or out of a sincere desire to serve.
Marriage
The church recognizes that marriage is subject to legal provisions
established by various nations and states. This aspect of marriage makes it
unique among the church's sacraments. Marriages within the church should be
solemnized in public meeting of some kind. This usually occurs in the context of
a service of worship. Marriages within the church are to be performed by members
of the Melchisedec priesthood or by Aaronic priests. The church also recognizes
the marriages of persons who choose to be married by authorities outside the
church, such as civil authorities or ministers of other faiths.
More
 The Evangelist's Blessing
The evangelist’s blessing serves as a sacramental vehicle
for God to affirm and support persons in their life ventures. It is an
experience of laying on of hands and prayer focusing on God’s accepting and
creative love in the life of the person, family, or congregation. The blessing is
a defining experience to help persons know who they are, their value and
giftedness, purpose and meanings of life. It helps persons to refocus their
lives according to the purposes of God and God’s call to them. The sacrament
is extended to individuals, families, or congregations. There are no age, race,
gender, membership, or life conditions that restrict persons from sharing in this
sacrament. Recording of the blessing is optional. The sacrament of the
evangelist’s blessing is not a one-time experience but is available at
different junctures of a person’s life. Sharing with the evangelist as a
spiritual companion is an integral part of the total blessing experience.
More
Administration to the Sick
The sacrament of administration is available to members and nonmembers alike.
A person who is physically ill, emotionally strained, or sick in any other way
may request administration. The purpose of this sacrament is to provide
assurance of God's care and concern and also of the church's interest in that
person. Administration is usually done in the privacy of the church, a person's home,
office, or hospital room. On occasion, however, administration may be performed
while other persons are present or even as part of a formal service of worship.
More
| 
