Baptism and Communion

The United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and Communion.

Communion
Living Word practices open Communion. As our ritual puts it, “Christ our Lord invites to His table all who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another.” God invites everyone to His table, and we do not refuse any who present themselves desiring to receive the love of God offered in Jesus Christ.

Communion is offered each week at the 9:00 am and 10:30 am worship service. If you are watching worship online, you may pick up a prepackaged communion juice and wafer from the church lobby. If you would like those mailed to you, please send us a a request by emailing Beth Balzraine.  Living Word also offers a gluten-free option for in-person worship.

Baptism
The baptismal covenant is initiated by God who by His grace adopts us as children and heirs of His Kingdom. Baptism brings us into union with Christ, with each other, and with the Church in every time and place.

Because baptism initiates us into Christ’s whole Church and not only into a denomination, Living Word recognizes all Christian baptisms, and all forms of Christian baptism (sprinkling, pouring, immersion, infant, child or adult) as valid.

Because God baptizes, Holy baptism is administered only once, but may be reaffirmed each time we partake of the Sacrament of Holy Communion or in services of “Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant.”

For more information about communion or baptism, please call the church office at 636-821-2800.