THE SACRAMENTS
Sacraments are ritual actions in worship which, according to Scripture, were instituted by Jesus. In the sacraments of baptism and communion we ask the Holy Spirit to use water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ. In the United Church of Christ, we celebrate two sacraments including Communion and Baptism.
Holy Communion
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” Christians hear, taste, touch and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way. Communion is:
A joyous act of thanksgiving for all God has done, is doing, and will do for the redeeming of creation;
a sacred memorial of the crucified and risen Christ, a living and effective sign of Christ’s sacrifice in which Christ is truly and rightly present to those who eat and drink; an earnest prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit to unite those who partake with the Risen Christ and with each other, and to restore creation, making all things new;
an intimate experience of fellowship in which the whole church in every time and place is present and divisions are overcome; a hopeful sign of the promised Realm of God marked by justice, love and peace.
In our celebration of this feast, we welcome everyone to table. We believe that Christ prepares the meal and sets the table so that anyone who seeks a connection with Jesus Christ is invited to participate fully in this meal. We regularly share in this meal on the first Sunday of each month.
Baptism
The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God’s people always.
The act of baptism marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift. As a progressive, inclusive Protestant congregation, we honor baptism received in any other Christian tradition and do not rebaptize.
We welcome all who are interested in beginning a life of faith including infants, children, youth and adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized, baptism marks their acceptance into the care of Christ’s church, the sign and seal of God’s grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life.
If you are interested in the opportunity of baptism for either yourself or your child, please contact the pastor.
Adapted from First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland, Maine.
Confirmation
Confirmation is designed for youth (7th grade and older) to explore, study, and question one’s faith. It is a time to consider the confirmation of one’s baptism if baptized in infancy. You do not need to have already been baptized to participate in the confirmation program. A baptism service will be planned for those who have not yet been baptized.
If you are a youth and would like to participate in a confirmation program contact the pastor.
Ceremonies: Weddings, Funerals, and Other Special Events
Weddings
Los Altos United Church of Christ has a beautiful and intimate sanctuary that is ideal for wedding services. We host weddings for members and nonmembers alike and consider it a privilege to be a part of this special and sacred occasion.
Funerals and Memorial Services
Los Altos United Church of Christ is a “community church” and we do funerals or memorial services for those who are members of the church, and for those who are members of our community. If you have need for us to perform a service celebrating a life and honoring a passing, our pastor and staff would be honored to assist you and your family.
Please call the church office at (562) 596-6718 for assistance Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm.