Baptism

In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
— From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ

For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have clothed yourself with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
— Galatians 3:26-28

At Pilgrim we believe that the sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God's people always.

Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God's gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of a new journey of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift.

At Pilgrim we use water as the essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible - the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of Israel through the sea, the water of Mary's womb, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus' washing of the feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present in the service. At Pilgrim, we make use of the practice of sprinkling water on the one to be baptized. All are welcomed to be baptized from infants to adults and we recognize the validity of all baptisms, therefore there is no need for re-baptism.

If you are interested in receiving the sacrament of baptism at Pilgrim Church please contact our Pastor at 216-861-7388.

(Adapted from www.UCC.org website)

Communion

In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion.
—From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ

The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'
—1 Corinthians 11:23-25

At Pilgrim Church we practice two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. Holy Communion recalls the table fellowship Jesus shared with his disciples and in particular the Last Supper on the night before his death as well as his appearances to the disciples during meals following his resurrection. Throughout its history these Biblical events have been central to the Church's worship life. In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, meaning "thanksgiving," Christians hear, taste, touch and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way. The United Church of Christ Book of Worship reminds us that "the invitation and the call [to the supper] celebrate not only the memory of a meal that is past, but an actual meal with the risen Christ that is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet at which Christ will preside at the end of history."

At Pilgrim, the broken bread and poured grape juice represent - present anew - the crucified and risen Christ. Although there is a variety of practices in how communion is served, here at Pilgrim we use the ancient form of Intinction, the dipping of the bread into the grape juice. We also use grape juice instead of wine, so that all God’s children can partake of this Holy Sacrament. Communion is "open to all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God's people." (Book of Worship). Children are welcomed to the Table at their parents' discretion.

(Adapted from www.UCC.org website)

New Member / Inquirers class

Are you interested in learning more about Pilgrim United Church of Christ? Come join us on a Journey that will last a lifetime. Every 6 weeks we offer an Inquirers Gathering in which you can learn and ask questions about the United Church of Christ, Pilgrim Church, and what it means to be involved in this community. Please see our Church Calendar for the next Inquirers Gathering.