THE LORDS SUPPER

We believe that the New Testament instructs us to observe only two sacraments, that of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is that sacrament that was instituted and commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ just prior to his crucifixion. The sacrament normally takes place after the sermon has been preached and consists in the receiving of the elements of bread and wine, symbols of the body and blood of Christ, whose sacrificial death for his people we are remembering. We invite only communicant members and believers to the Lord’s Supper in accordance with 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (this is called ‘fencing of the table’). Fencing of the table does not mean that we exclude believers from other denominations from receiving the sacrament. The table is Christ's, so visitors who are members in good standing in other evangelical Churches, are welcome to join with us in the Lord's Supper.

BAPTISM

Baptism is administered in accordance with the New Testament example and commandment found in Acts 2: 38-41. We believe that children are an important inclusion in baptism and we readily baptise the infants of believing parents (or even one believing parent). Adults are also baptised upon profession of faith. The Baptism itself is administered in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit by the sprinkling of water on the head. We do not hold that baptism itself regenerates a person before God, but it is rather an outward sign of union with Christ.

In conclusion, the regular conduct of the worship service (or means of grace as it is often called) is a vital part of our church life that encourages and equips believers, through God’s grace, to lead Christ honouring lives and thus ultimately to glorify God.