Sunset United Church – Sacraments Policy

Revised May 2009

A sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace.  The sacrament is both God’s gift and the congregation’s response to that gift.  Sunset United Church believes that the sacrament is big enough, strong enough and cleansing enough to last forever.

In administering the worship related activities as outlined in the terms of reference, the worship committee will receive the names of people to be baptized/confirmed as put forward by the ministers, and will provide those names to the board for their information.

Baptism

Statement of belief:  God’s love for us has no beginning and no ending.  People in this congregation will be teachers, mentors and models for a person’s faith journey.  The journey of faith is lifelong and the sacrament of baptism is a sacred milestone.

The parents or the adult being baptized must:

1. Believe in God the Creator, who loves and cares for us all.
2. Have an understanding of how God’s love is illustrated in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
3. Believe there is a Spirit present in our lives that guides & strengthens our daily living.
4. Although not required to be members of the United Church of Canada, they do need to demonstrate a clear intention to be actively involved and connected to a congregation.

Communion

Communion is our opportunity to articulate and experience our connection to the Body of Christ, and to the abundant love of God for all of humanity.

1. We have an open table, and all are welcome to participate.

Appendix B does not form part of this policy.  Rather, it outlines the general practices of Sunset United Church in regards to these two sacraments.