The Sacraments

The Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are God’s acts of sealing the promises of faith within the community of faith as the congregation worships.

The Sacrament of Baptism

At Easley Presbyterian Church the Sacrament of Baptism is offered to all who wish to confess their faith in Jesus Christ and to the children of those who profess faith in Christ. If you would like more information about having yourself or your child(ren) baptized, please contact one of the pastors.

Here is the Presbyterian understanding of what the Sacrament of Baptism means, as found in our Book of Order.

Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ. In Baptism, we participate in Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Baptism, we die to what separates us from God and are raised to newness of life in Christ.  Baptism is the sign and symbol of inclusion in God’s grace and covenant with the Church. As an identifying mark, Baptism signifies

a.     The faithfulness of God,
b.     The washing away of sin,
c.      Rebirth,
d.      Putting on the fresh garment of Christ,
e.      Being sealed by God’s Spirit,
f.      Adoption into the covenant family of the Church,
g.      Resurrection and illumination in Christ.

Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. Children of believers are to be baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste. The Baptism of children witnesses to the truth that God’s love claims people before they are able to respond in faith. The Baptism of those who enter the covenant upon their own profession of faith witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for fulfillment in a response of faithfulness.

Baptism is received only once. The Presbyterian Church USA recognizes all Baptisms with water in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit administered by other Christian churches. Baptism is celebrated in a service of public worship, ordinarily during a Sunday Lord’s Day service of worship.  The water used for Baptism should be common to the location.

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

At Easley Presbyterian Church we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper on the 1st Sunday of each quarter and at special services throughout the year. Here is the Presbyterian understanding of the meaning of the Lord's Supper as explained in the Book of Order.

The Lord’s Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. In his last meal before his death, Jesus took and shared with his disciples the bread and wine, speaking of them as his body and blood, signs of the new covenant. Around the Table of the Lord, God’s people are in communion with Christ and with all who belong to Christ. All who are baptized are to be welcomed to the Table.

In the life of the worshiping congregation, Word and Sacrament have an integral relationship. Whenever the Lord’s Supper is observed, it shall be preceded by the reading and the proclamation of the Word. The Lord’s Supper is to be observed on the Lord’s Day, in the regular place of worship. It is to be celebrated regularly and frequently enough to be recognized as integral to the Service for the Lord’s Day. Special observances of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper are to be approved by the Session, administered by a minister of Word and Sacrament, and must be open to the whole believing community.