Communion

How does The United Methodist Church practice Communion?

Shortly before he died, Jesus initiated a special spiritual practice for his followers. Some people call this simple meal the Eucharist-thanksgiving and blessing. Others call it the Lord’s Supper-remembrance and re-experience. Still others call it Holy Communion-sacred oneness and unity.

This sacrament has been a central and important service throughout the entire life of United Methodism. It recalls the Last Supper of Jesus with the disciples. It is a celebration and remembrance of God's grace and mercy in Jesus, of the resurrection of Christ, and of Christ's continuing presence with us. It provides the worshiper with the opportunity to renew the covenant made with God and to be rededicated to service in Christ's name.

All are welcome to take Communion in the United Methodist Church, including visitors, those who belong to other denominations, and those who have never been baptised. Children are welcome to take communion. It is up to the parents to decide when their child should begin receiving communion. Because the table at which we gather belongs to the Lord, it is open to all who respond to Christ’s love, regardless of age or church membership.

FUMC El Dorado, like most United Methodist churches, uses grape juice rather than wine in its Communion services. This is a tradition dating back to the late nineteenth century that expresses pastoral concern for recovering alcoholics, enables the participation of children and youth, and supports the church's witness of abstinence. At FUMC, Communion is served the first Sunday of each month and on other special occasions. At our First Light Service, our pastors serve communion by "intinction," which means they will take a small piece of bread and place it in your hand. You will then dip it in the juice. At the 10:30 Sanctuary Service, the ushers will direct you to the altar rail where you will receive crackers and juice as a group. You are not required to kneel at the altar. If you are unable to come forward, tell the usher and Communion will be brought to you.

Baptism

Key Points Concerning Baptism

Baptism is a sign of belonging to the family of God. We are not saved by baptism. It is a symbol of God’s love offered to us through the Holy Spirit. Methodists practice infant baptism because there is scriptural evidence that entire households, including children, were baptized, as recorded in the book of Acts. (Acts 16:15 ) A person only needs to be baptized once, even if the baptism occurs as an infant. Baptism is one of the two sacraments of the United Methodist Church. The other is Holy Communion. A sacrament is a special command of the Lord, using outward signs (water or bread and wine) to convey the grace of God.

At FUMC, we recognize that persons come from different traditions and scriptural understandings of baptism. We embrace and respect the differences. We realize that baptism is an integral part of our response to the Lord and that all are called to participate in it. As part of our United Methodist heritage, FUMC offers baptism for children of believing parents, as well as for youth and adults who profess their own faith. We do not forget, though, that what unites us is Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord; everything else is secondary. Baptism is the glorious sign of inclusion into the family of God. This great privilege is offered to us, freely, through the saving work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned all who are part of His family to, "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19). Thus, the command to baptize is an inseparable part of disciple making. It is an expression of the exuberance of becoming part of God's eternal family. Through water, baptism becomes an outward sign of the grace of God at work in the life of the person being baptized. At FUMC we most commonly baptize by sprinkling (symbolic of the Biblical act of sprinkling to cleanse). Just as a wedding ring is an outward sign of a marriage relationship, the water used in baptism is an outward sign of an individual becoming part of the family of God through the sacrificial gift of Christ on the cross.

Baptism of Infants

Infants are declared to be a part of God's family through the profession of faith of the parents. Also, the parents promise to bring the child up in the Christian faith and to be active the local church. The inclusion of infants into the family of God is the affirmation that "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Our Lord declared that children have a special place in the Kingdom of God. As such they are no less part of God's family here on earth. The baptism of an infant is not a substitute for the radical change necessary in the hearts of all people. This change (salvation or spiritual birth) occurs by receiving the good news of Jesus Christ through faith.

Baptism of Youth and Adults

Persons of the age to hear and respond to the Gospel message are called into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship is created through faith in Jesus Christ. After entering into this relationship with Christ a person is baptized as an outward sign of being adopted into God's family.

Brother Polk preached a series of sermons on baptism you may enjoy by following these links.