Sacraments

You may wonder why I've added sacraments into my posts on call.

I believe sacraments play a part not only in the traditions of the church but also play a part in our membership of the church as well as how God equips us to serve as God's people and God's church.

The two sacraments acknowledged in the UCA are Baptism and Holy Communion. Both are seen as an inward and outward sign of the workings of Christ and are symbolic of Christ’s life, death and resurrection. They also prepare, refresh and renew people for service in mission in the world as well as point not only to the presence of Christ but also to the coming kingdom.

When we are baptised we are called into God's mission in the world and are given gifts to help us in that service. Through the receiving of Holy Communion we are strengthened and refreshed to go out into the world for mission.

You will be aware, as you read the Basis of Union that there is an emphasis on unity in the UCA. This is evident also in the sacraments as there is no discrimination to age in these sacraments but a willingness to acknowledge where Christ has gone before us.

Only ordained Ministers can preside over the sacraments, (unless otherwise authorised) because they have been trained in understanding the biblical narrative that is passed on to the congregation through the sacraments. The Church sees an important role for ordained Ministers in the UCA as being able to share and keep alive the biblical narrative of our faith traditions.

Of course baptism is seen as a once only event in the UCA with reaffirmation of baptism being offered to those who were baptised as infants or who feel they personally need to reaffirm their baptism vows, whereas Holy Communion is a continual reminder of God’s presence and covenant God has made with his people.