The Way Woodstock church recognizes two sacraments in which Christ himself participated: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Baptism
Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, we are joined with the Triune God, the whole of Christ’s church, and our local congregation. The water and the workof the Holy Spirit in baptism convey God’s saving grace, the forgiveness of our sins, and new life in Jesus Christ.
Persons of any age may be baptized – infants, children, youth, and adults. We believe children are under the atonement of Christ and as heirs of the Kingdom of God are acceptable subjects for Christian baptism. Children of believing parents through baptism become the special responsibility of the church. They should be nurtured and led to personal acceptance of Christ and by profession of faith confirm their baptism. Parents who present their children for baptism should answer the covenant questions by affirming the following questions: On behalf of the whole church,
- Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in His grace, and promise to serve Him as your Lord in union with The Way Woodstock church?
- Will you nurture the children in Christ’s holy church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?
The Way Woodstock church baptizes in a variety of ways: immersion, pouring, or sprinkling.
However, a person receives the sacrament of adult baptism only once in his or her life. Acts of remembering one’s baptism are encouraged so long as it is made clear a “rebaptism” is not occurring.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper are common names for the Eucharist, the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving the church offers to God for all God has done, is doing, and will do to save us and renew all things in Christ. Through offering ourselves in praise and thanksgiving, and through receiving the bread and cup, which the Spirit makes for us the body and blood of Christ, celebrating the Lord’s Supper together nourishes and sustains us in our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. As we pray together and receive the body and blood of Christ together, we are united with Christ, with one another, and in ministry to all the world.
All who love Christ, earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another are invited to join us in offering our prayer of thanksgiving and receive the body and blood of Christ, regardless of age or church membership. Wesley taught that Holy Communion was a “converting ordinance” and should not be withheld because of age or lack of understanding.
Holy Communion is to be celebrated and received regularly – John Wesley said, “as often as [one] can.”
