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, please contact the Senior Pastor’s administrative assistant.
Lisa Snow
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226.0216, ext. 260.

You may request that a particular pastor officiate. We require that there be instruction received before a baptism takes place. This can be arranged during scheduling.

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 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.

Scheduled Communion dates

Traditional worship services: March 20 (Maundy Thursday), April 13, May 11 (Mother’s Day), July 27. Starting in September: First Sunday each month. Other traditional communion dates: December 24 (3 p.m. Christmas Eve), December 31 (5 p.m. New Year’s Eve)

Contemporary worship service: First Sunday each month.

World Communion Sunday is October 5, 2008. The Lord's Supper will be celebrated simultaneously in all worship services at First Presbyterian Church San Antonio and around the world.