Communion

Communion is observed at least once a quarter and sometimes more frequently. Typically communion is served during the Sunday morning worship hours, but we have had special services (evening, mid-day, etc.) from time to time where communion may be offered. Communion is also offered for shut-ins and in hospital situations if someone desires and is unable to make it to the corporate times of worship.

Typically, for the representation of Christ’s blood we use grape juice. For the body, we use any number of bread variations (homemade unleavened bread, store bought bread, home made bread or crackers).

We practice ‘open communion’ which means that anyone that has a personal relationship in Jesus Christ may share in communion when it is offered. Individuals do not have to be church members to participate.

Baptism

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change in your life. It is taught very directly in the Bible and Jesus, Himself, was baptized as an example to us all. Baptism is symbolic of dying to the old sinful life (going under the water) and being reborn into a new life (raising up out of the water). If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have inwardly chosen to repent of your old lifestyle and have asked Jesus to forgive your sins. Baptism is a form of public profession of what has taken place spiritually between you and your Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here are a few things you may like to know about baptism practices at Jerusalem Chapel U.B. Church:

Typically, an informational class is held 1-2 times a year and individuals are encouraged to consider sharing their faith in Jesus Christ by this act of public profession. Baptismal candidates are then typically baptized on a prearranged Sunday during a morning worship service.

We do have a baptismal pool located behind the pulpit area, and that would be the most typical practice. However, the pastors have baptized individuals in a more private setting in creeks, ponds, swimming pools, etc. There are also circumstances in which the pastors have also baptized individuals through the act of pouring or sprinkling. This is especially meaningful for those in bedfast situations or with other extenuating conditions.

As far as the age of the individual to be baptized, we participate in believer baptism. So, once an individual comes to a personal faith in Jesus Christ and has a desire to be baptized, they are welcome to participate. For younger children, parents are encouraged to stand alongside their child when they talk with the pastor as he tries to gain a better understanding of the child’s personal faith and their comprehension of the act of baptism.

Church Membership

Membership classes are typically held once a year (quite often in the fall). They have been held over a four-week period during the Sunday School hour or more recently just on a Sunday afternoon following the Late Worship Hour (and including a light lunch together). Pastor Denny shares the history, doctrine, practices and ministry of the denomination as a whole and at our local church.

Those who attend these classes are not required to join, that decision can be made at a later time. For those individuals who are ready to join the church membership, they are received on a Sunday morning in the following week or two as a group and introduced briefly to the church family