Sacraments

Denominations often differ over what they recognize as sacraments. Some recognize as many as seven sacraments, others have no sacraments in the life of the church. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has two sacraments — baptism and the Lord's Supper.

We believe baptism and the Lord's Supper to be sacraments, instituted by God and commanded by Christ. Sacraments are signs of the real presence and power of Christ in the Church, symbols of God's action. Through the sacraments, God seals believers in redemption, renews their identity as the people of God and marks them for service.

"The early Church, following Jesus, took three primary material elements of life — water, bread and wine — to become basic symbols of offering life to God as Jesus had offered his life. Being washed with the water of baptism, Christians received new life in Christ and presented their bodies to be living sacrifices to God. Eating bread and drinking wine they received the sustaining presence of Christ, remembered God's covenant promise and pledged their obedience anew."

Baptism

Baptism is received only once. However, there are many times in worship when believers acknowledge the grace of God continually at work. As they participate in the celebration of another's baptism, as they experience the sustaining nurture of the Lord's Supper and as they reaffirm the commitments made at baptism, they confess their ongoing need of God's grace and pledge anew their obedience to God's covenant in Christ.

First Presbyterian recognizes all baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian churches. To schedule a baptism and arrange for a time to attend a baptism seminar, contact Jennifer Quintero at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 210.271.2758. Learn more about our baptism seminars. 

You may request that a particular pastor officiate. We require that there be instruction received before a
baptism takes place.

The Lord's Supper

The Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. During his earthly ministry, Jesus shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and as an occasion for his own ministry. Around the Table of the Lord, God's people are in communion with Christ and with all who belong to Christ.

The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to those who trust in Jesus Christ and seek to live as his followers. Access to the table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance and love. In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of God's love and grace in Christ Jesus.

"The Lord's Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. During his earthly ministry Jesus shared meals with his followers as a sign of community and acceptance and as an occasion for his own ministry." (Book of Order W-2.4001a)

Around the Table of the Lord, God's people are in communion with Christ and with all who belong to Christ. Reconciliation with Christ compels reconciliation with one another. All the baptized faithful are to be welcomed to the Table, and none shall be excluded because of race, sex, age, economic status, social class, handicapping condition, difference of culture or language or any barrier created by human injustice. Coming to the Lord's Table the faithful are actively to seek reconciliation in every instance of conflict or division between them and their neighbors. (Book of Order W-2.4006)

The Lord's Supper is to be observed on the Lord's Day, in the regular place of worship and in a manner suitable to the particular occasion and local congregation. It is appropriate to celebrate the Lord's Supper as often as each Lord's Day. It is to be celebrated regularly and frequently enough to be recognized as integral to the Service for the Lord's Day. (Book of Order W-2.4009)

The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of God's love and grace in Christ Jesus. (Book of Order W-2.4011a)

When the Lord's Supper is Celebrated at First Presbyterian

Traditional worship services: First Sunday each month. Other 2011 traditional communion dates: Ash Wednesday, March 9 (6:45 p.m.), Maundy Thursday, April 21 (6:45 p.m.), Thanksgiving Eve, November 23 (6:45 p.m.), Christmas Eve, December 24 (3 p.m.) and New Year's Eve, December 31 (5 p.m.)

Contemporary worship service: First Sunday each month.

World Communion Sunday is the first Sunday of October each year. The Lord's Supper is celebrated simultaneously in all worship services, at First Presbyterian Church San Antonio and around the world.