Baptism

Baptism is a celebration of God's covenant, a sign of God's grace, and the seal of incorporation into Christ and the into the community of faith.  The baptism of infants and young children witnesses to the truth that God's love claims people before they are able to respond in faith.  Baptisms for young children are scheduled the third Sunday of every month, to take place during morning worship.  Any parent who is a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church is welcome to present his/her child for baptism.  The congregation, as well as the parent(s), take vows to nurture the child in the Christian faith.  Prior to the baptism of a child, parents are required to attend a baptism class which is held the last Sunday of every month (except December).  To schedule a baptism for a child, contact the church office. 

Youth and adult baptisms are celebrated whenever a person "of age" professes faith in Jesus Christ for the first time, and if the person has not been baptized in another Christian church.  Such a baptism is an individual’s public acceptance of being called to follow Jesus Christ as a disciple.  Baptisms of youth and adults are usually scheduled when joining the congregation through the New Member’s Class, at the time of confirmation, or along with the baptism of children.

  

Communion or The Lord’s Supper

Communion is also called the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or the Eucharist (from the Greek word meaning "thanksgiving").  Along with baptism, communion is one of two “sacraments” Jesus gave to nurture the church.  Communion is a time to renew faith and be strengthened for the privileges of Christian service in the world.  In communion, the bread and cup represent Jesus’ sacrifice of His body and blood, for the sake of us and the world, and recall the last meal Jesus shared with the apostles.  Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, the elements enable us to give thanks, remember, and anticipate God's redemptive work on our behalf.  At Westminster, you do not have to be a member to partake in communion; it is for anyone seeking a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Communion is celebrated: 

  • The first Sunday of every month at all services.
  • Every Wednesday morning at 9:10am in the Chapel Service.
  • At special services through the year:  Ash Wednesday; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; Holy Saturday Vigil; Easter Sunrise; 11pm Christmas Eve.
  • All Sundays of Lent and Advent in the contemporary service.
  • At all Taizé contemplative services, typically on Sundays, once a month, September through June.

Elders and Deacons also take communion to the homes of members and friends who are unable to physically attend worship on the church campus.  Pastors will celebrate the sacrament with members at home or in the hospital upon request.