Cindy Rugg guided the message on February 4th. The message was all about Community of Christ Sacraments. “We encounter God through the sacraments of the church, which touch our lives at important times and places. Sacrements bring God’s grace, the influence of the Holy Spirit, and the example of the life of Jesus Christ together with One’s personal commitment of faith.
Community of Christ has eight sacraments, most of which are celebrated in worship experiences at appropriate times.”
Baptism
Jesus began his work by asking to be baptized (Matthew 3:13–17). Baptism is a public act announcing you are choosing to follow Jesus Christ with all of your heart, might, mind, and strength. It is a decision that marks a significant point in recognizing God’s initiative in your life, turning toward God, and entering a covenant relationship to the community of disciples and God.
In baptism, we are immersed in water to symbolize death to sin and raised from the water to begin a new life. Paul, an early convert to Christianity, wrote how baptism symbolizes a complete following of Jesus and a dramatic change of life: “When you were buried with him in baptism you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God” (Colossians 2:12 NRSV).
People old enough to make their own decision may be baptized in Community of Christ. This is considered the age of 8 and older. Baptism represents a first step toward membership in Community of Christ.
Confirmation
As Jesus comes out of the water (Matthew 3:13–17), the Holy Spirit, represented as a dove, descends on him. As followers of Jesus, we are baptized of water and the Holy Spirit. Following baptism of water, new disciples take part in the sacrament of confirmation. It “confirms” membership in Community of Christ, and affirms the Holy Spirit’s continued blessing for each disciple.
In the sacrament of confirmation, elders place their hands on the head of the new disciple, and one elder offers a special prayer. The prayer of confirmation seeks God’s blessing to help new members grow in their covenant and generously share their giftedness in support of the church’s mission. The commitment made through baptism and confirmation is active “discipleship expressed through covenant with God and others in sacred community” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:2d). Confirmation helps weave people into the fabric of community—both congregation and worldwide church—so they can grow in discipleship.
The Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Jesus gave his disciples a piece of bread and a drink of wine and said to them: “‘Take, this is my body’….‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many’” (Mark 14:22–24 NRSV). The Gospel of Luke further says, “‘Do this in remembrance of me’” (Luke 22:19 NRSV). The Communion meal is shared the first Sunday of each month in the congregation and on special occasions.
All who believe in Christ, which usually is expressed in water baptism, whether members of Community of Christ or not, are welcome to share the Lord’s Supper. This is an opportunity to celebrate again our baptism and confirmation covenants, reconcile relationships, and mutually recommit to the church’s mission. It plays an important role in healing and strengthening the congregational community. Preparation should include reconciling with others, confessing our faults, and asking for and offering forgiveness. We cannot be reconciled with God if we are not reconciled with others (Matthew 5:23–24).
Ordination
Jesus called people to follow him, be his disciples, and use their gifts for others (Luke 6:12–13). Some are called by God to be ordained ministers because their gifts help them serve the covenant community in specific ways.
Ordination recognizes the divine initiative to call certain disciples to particular priesthood responsibilities and ministries for the sake of the community, the congregation, and the world. This sacrament often is performed in a worship service. Officiating ministers, usually two, lay their hands on the person’s head. One minister offers a prayer, naming a specific priesthood office to which the person is being ordained, and may include added guidance and blessing. The congregation, representing the entire church, commits to receive the ministry that will come from the newly ordained priesthood member.
Ordination confers authority on priesthood members according to the responsibilities of their particular priesthood offices. Priesthood members act within the guidelines and setting of the church community, upholding high standards of ministerial ethics and serving with integrity and trustworthiness.
Blessing of Children
When Jesus was a young child, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple “to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:21–35 NRSV). During Jesus’ adult ministry, parents brought their children to him to be blessed (Mark 10:14). When families bring their babies to be blessed by the elders, they are responding to God’s grace by choosing to raise their child in God’s loving community and promising to provide guidance and nurture throughout the child’s lifetime. The congregation also commits to being a loving community in which the child can thrive and grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Two elders administer the blessing of children, usually during a worship service in the presence of the child’s family and the congregation. The elders hold, support, or place their hands on the child, and one elder offers a prayer of blessing. Children from newborn through age 7 may be blessed. This sacrament is available to any child regardless of the family’s membership in Community of Christ.
Laying on of Hands for the Sick
Jesus blessed those who were hurting in many ways. The disciples anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them (Mark 6:13). We find many stories of blessing the sick in the New Testament, reflecting God’s desire for wholeness and shalom for all creation.
During times of physical, mental, or emotional distress, people may seek this sacrament from ministers. This sacrament opens a way for healing in whatever form it comes.
Usually two elders administer this sacrament together. They visit with the person to find out more about the person’s need. One elder places a drop of consecrated oil on the forehead of the person, places hands on the person’s head, and offers a statement of purpose and blessing. The second elder then places hands on the person’s head and offers a prayer for wholeness and well-being. This may be done privately or in the presence of family, friends, and the congregation. This sacrament is available to all seeking wholeness in body, mind, and spirit.
Marriage
Jesus Christ taught that the bond between two people who love and commit to each other in a formalized covenant is sacred (Matthew 19:4–6). He blessed marriage with his presence (John 2:1–11). Christian marriage is a sacred covenant between two people for lifelong, healthy, loving companionship. Marriage is also a legal agreement. The sacrament of marriage highlights God’s desire to strengthen and enrich the marriage.
A Community of Christ marriage ceremony includes a statement of mutual covenant, “‘You both mutually agree to be each other’s companion…’” (Doctrine and Covenants 111:2b), and a pronouncement prayer, “‘May God add his blessings and keep you to fulfill your covenants from henceforth and forever. Amen’” (Doctrine and Covenants 111:2d). The couple’s agreement establishes a lifelong bond, a covenant to share Christ-like love with each other, with others, and with God.
Community of Christ priests and elders may perform this sacrament, regardless of the couple’s membership in Community of Christ, as long as local laws governing marriage are followed.
Evangelist Blessing
Jesus prayed a special prayer for his disciples to guide them in their journey (John 17, Luke 22:31–32). Today, an evangelist blessing can be requested by individuals, couples, families, households, groups, and congregations who want to feel God’s loving grace and guidance. Time is spent in preparation through prayer, spiritual practices, study, and discernment. An evangelist or team of evangelists will guide the preparation. Once adequate preparation is completed, the evangelist(s) offers a prayer.
This sacrament expresses the universal love of God for the recipient(s) and brings assurance, clarifies choices, and provides light for a lifetime of faithful discipleship in response to God.