The Sacraments
St. Mark United Methodist Church acknowledges and practices two Sacraments: The Sacrament of Christian Baptism, and The Sacrament of Holy Communion (The Lord's Supper). As such, we believe these Sacraments are "Holy Moments" when we encounter Almighty God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Christian Baptism
St. Mark United Methodist Church believes that through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ's holy church. As a Christian denomination, we believe in the profession of faith at any age. As such, we believe in and practice infant baptism - United Methodist believe in the mystery of God's grace and love that is available to an infant through Baptism. St. Mark also believes and accepts one's choice of Believer's Baptism.
St. Mark United Methodist Church believes that the working of God in and through Baptism incorporates us into God's acts of salvation and that we are given new birth. We also believe that the work of God in and through Baptism is God's gift to us; a gift offered without price.
St. Mark United Methodist Church accepts and practices three modes of Baptism: sprinkling, pouring and immersion. We believe that "No One Mode" of Baptism makes us more baptized than the other - all are equal.
St. Mark United Methodist Church believes in and practices Baptism as a community celebration, and as such, Baptisms are performed in worship services. St. Mark United Methodist Church believes that Baptism is a powerful witness that the Living God is transforming lives in a lost and hurting world.
Lastly, St. Mark United Methodist Church does not practice re-baptism, or a second baptism to become a member of the church. We hold firm that God's act in Baptism is always right the first time. St. Mark does practice and offer anyone so desiring a service of Reaffirming One's Faith where Remembering One's Baptism is a part of the service.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion (The Lord's Supper)
St. Mark United Methodist Church actively participates in the offering and the receiving of Holy Communion. We believe that Almighty God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are the host of the table at Holy Communion. We believe the Justifying Act of Jesus Christ's suffering, death and resurrection makes it possible for us to come to receive Holy Communion.
St. Mark United Methodist Church believes the table of Holy Communion to which God, Jesus Chrsit and the Holy Spirit are the host, should be open to all who have confessed their sins and accepted the forgiveness of Christ through His death and resurrection, regardless of denominational affiliation. Our forefather, John Wesley, believed that the moment of taking the Sacrament of Holy Communion can itself be a moment of spiritual conversion.
St. Mark United Methodist Church believes that participating in the Sacrament of Holy Communion makes us one with Christ, one with each other and one in ministry to all the world.
Holy Communion is celebrated as a congregation once a month, usually the first Sunday of each month. Holy Communion is available weekly after each Worship Service.
