Special Occasions
Baptism
In our tradition we try to follow Jesus' example and celebrate two Sacraments: Baptism and The Lord's Supper (also called Communion or the Eucharist. The word "Eucharist" simply means "thanksgiving"). To participate in a "Sacrament" is to participate in a sacred mystery that binds us to and nurtures us in Christ. The great church father St. Augustine (354-430) defined a Sacrament as "the visible form of an invisible grace." Baptism and Communion are the invisible words of God made visible.
-Pictured here are proud parents Kevin and Cindy Warren as their son Maguire is baptized "in the name of the Father; and of the Son; and of the Holy Spirit," and welcomed into the covenant family of God. Picture: Ron Faber.
Meaning
Baptism has many meanings. So thinking about the meaning of Baptism is kind of like looking through a prism with many different reflections on the wall: It is a visible sign of God's invisible grace; it is about entering into God's "household" or "family"; it is about the formal beginning of a life following Jesus; it is about the washing away of sin and one's old life, and starting a new one in "Jesus clothes"; it is about getting a new identity (we are Baptised "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"); and it is about becoming a servant of the good news.
Baptism is a very special occasion. God loves us regardless of whether we are baptised or not, yet this act visibly acknowledges God's covenant with us and is a key moment in starting a life of faith. Anyone can be baptised regardless of age.
If you are an adult and wish to be baptised, simply let the minister know and you can further discuss what it means and involves. It is an incredibly special and meaningful part of the Christian life.
Babies and ChildrenIt is also permissible to baptise babies and children. The reason for this is that we are accepted by God and welcomed into his church not because of any merit on our part. It is because of God's grace that we are welcomed into the faith community. This is a powerful statement in a world that so values achievement as a sign of self-worth.
From time immemorial newborns were welcomed into the faith community because they were a part of a covenantal relationship of love, trust and promise. In ancient Israel male babies were circumcised as a sign of this covenant. Today in churches Baptism continues to be a sign of our covenantal relationship with God and is celebrated publicly in worship with the rest of the congregation on Sunday morning. One of the parents of the child must be baptised and a professing and active member of the Christian Church. Baptism is a tremendous joy!
If baptism is something you want to explore for yourself or your child please speak to Reverend Ruttan who will be happy to discuss the possibility. He will then discuss it with the church Session (the elected elders of the congregation) who is responsible for the well-being and oversight of the church.
Marriage
Marriage is an amazing experience. In short, it is the union of two people under God in Christian faith. As St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians says:
"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."
If you are interested in a Christian wedding service at Westminster you are invited to speak to Reverend Ruttan so that you can get a sense of what the service will look like and what is required with respect to marriage classes and arrangements. Our sanctuary seats 250 people comfortably and is very suited for weddings of various sizes. You can arrange to have your own musical accompaniment or it can be provided.
(The picture above is courtesy of Visual Roots Photography. In the photo, Mike and Cindy Greig exchange wedding vows in October, 2009).
The Lord's Supper (Communion)
In our tradition we try to follow Jesus' example and celebrate two Sacraments: Baptism and The Lord's Supper (also called Communion or the Eucharist. The word "Eucharist" simply means "thanksgiving"). To participate in a Sacrament is to participate in a sacred mystery that binds us to and nurtures us in Christ. The great church father St. Augustine (354-430) defined a Sacrament as "the visible form of an invisible grace." Baptism and Communion are the invisible words of God made visible.
FrequencyAt Westminster Communion is celebrated seven times a year: the first Sunday in March, June, October and December, on Maundy Thursday, during our Christmas Remembrance Service, and on the first Sunday of Advent and Lent. Home Communion is also celebrated on request for those unable to attend worship. In these situations the minister, accompanied by an elder, administers the Sacrament in the home.
MeaningMuch like Baptism there are many meanings to the Lord's Supper. In St. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians we read: "the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."
The Lord's Supper, therefore, is a remembrance of Jesus wherein we present ourselves before him. Through it Jesus feeds and blesses his people and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, unites us to him. It is a joyful mystery; a symbol of hope; an act of thanksgiving; and a celebration of his victory over death. When we approach the table with humble and faithful hearts Christ is truly present.
At Westminster we observe an 'open table,' meaning that anyone who trusts in the Lord Jesus is welcome to participate.
