Sacraments & Rites

Holy Communion

You may hear it called the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion – they are all the same thing. This is the joyful feast where we celebrate Christ’s presence in our lives as we remember and reenact Jesus’ breaking of bread and sharing of cup with his disciples. We celebrate the sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of each month and on special days such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Easter and Pentecost.

Our table is an open table. That is, everyone who seeks the presence of Christ in his or her lives is welcome to participate and share in this meal. That means whether you belong to another church or no church, you are welcome to join us. Children of all ages are also welcomed to share in this sacred meal, although we recognize it is a decision of the parents as to when this happens.

We usually serve communion to the congregation as they sit in the pews and offer wine and grape juice as well as gluten free wafers.

Baptism

In the United Church of Christ, we celebrate baptism at any age and by a variety of methods. Here at Samuel UCC, baptism takes place during the worship service and we usually use the method of sprinkling water on the head of the one being baptized.

Baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. It marks a person’s acceptance into the care of Christ’s Church. When infants are baptized, parents make the baptismal promises on the child’s behalf. When the child is older, they can confirm those promises for themselves during Confirmation. We welcome sponsors or godparents, although they are not required. Adults who wish to join the church but have never been baptized are baptized as they are received into membership. At Samuel UCC, we recognize baptisms from other faith traditions, so there is no need to be re-baptized when you join the church.

If you are interested in baptism for yourself or someone you love, please contact the church office at secretary@samuelucc.org.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the act of confirming for oneself the baptismal promises made on your behalf as child or infant. It is a year long process of study and faith exploration for youth during meetings and social events.  The Confirmation service itself takes place around or on Pentecost.  

Since our youth group size can vary from year to year, we only hold Confirmation classes as needed.

Weddings

As an Open aNd Affirming congregation, we believe that you love whom you love and welcome you with open arms to celebrate here.

Same-gendered or different-gendered, you are welcome to begin your married life together at Samuel UCC.

All weddings are performed by our Pastor, Rev. Groene. For more information about having your wedding at Samuel UCC, open the following PDF or email secretary@samuelucc.org.

Funerals and Memorial Services

Worshiping during a time of grief and loss offers consolation to the bereaved by acknowledging their pain and sorrow. It also provides the extended community with an opportunity to support the bereaved with their presence.

Services affirm once more the powerful, steadfast love of God from which we cannot be separated, even in death.

For more information about planning a Funeral or Memorial Service at Samuel UCC, please call the church office at (314) 727-9540.