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SACRAMENTS
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism  "The Reformed tradition understands Baptism and the Lord's Supper to be Sacraments, instituted by God and commended 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." (Book of Order W-1.3033.2)
"In Baptism, the Holy Spirit binds the Church in covenant to its Creator and Lord. The water of Baptism symbolizes the waters of creation, of the flood, and of the Exodus from Egypt. Thus, the water of Baptism links us to the goodness of God's creation and to the grace of God's covenants with Noah and Israel. Prophets of Israel, amidst the failure of their own generation to honor God's covenant, called for justice to roll down like waters and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24) They envisioned a fresh expression of God's grace and of creation's goodness -- a new covenant accompanied by the sprinkling of cleansing water. In his ministry, Jesus offered the gift of living water. So, Baptism is the sign and seal of God's grace and covenant in Christ. (Book of Order W-2.3003)" "Baptism enacts and seals what the Word proclaims:
 God's redeeming grace offered to all people. Baptism is God's gift of grace and also God's summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship. Baptism gives the church its identity and commissions the church for ministry to the world." (Book of Order W-2.3006) "As there is one body, there is one Baptism. (Eph. 4:4-6) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes all Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian churches." (Book of Order W-2.3010)In the Presbyterian church, the "godparents" are the whole congregation. Baptism is the public act of including a child among the people of God. The congregation pledges to help raise the child by praying and providing opportunities for Christian growth. In the picture above, the Reverend Tupper Garden introduces Griffin Bailey Shaver as the newest member of the family on October 16, 2008 Holy Communion
is served at both services on the first Sunday of each month and at Morning Prayer, 7:00 AM, Wednesdays, in the Chancel. The service may be the traditional service in the pews or by intinction.
The liturgy for The Great Thanksgiving may be found HERE.
It is traditional in the Presbyterian Church, with its emphasis on the priesthood of all believers, for the elements of communion to be served by the elders as well as the ministers. Other services of Holy Communion may be scheduled during Advent, Lent, and at other times during the year. All baptized Christians are welcome to partake in the service at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church.
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