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Sacraments

Methodists believe that a sacrament is defined as having three elements.   First, it has the element of divine appointment which is required or instituted by Jesus the Lord.  Second, it has an element of imparting divine grace in a unique way.   Finally, it has an element of matter, form and agent.

The Lord's Supper, for example, has the matter of bread and wine, the form of the spoken word of liturgy and the agent of a proper person to administer (ordained minister).   In baptism, the matter is water, the form is the spoke word of the liturgy and the agent is a person (ordained) to administer.

Thus, a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

The CME Church subscribes to two sacraments - Baptism and Holy Communion or The Lord's Supper.

Baptism:  Through the act of baptism, seen as a whole, the confessing believer is cleansed and incorporated into Christ by death, burial and resurrection with Him.

The CME Church, which administers baptism to children, youth, and adults, practices baptism in one of three forms:  sprinkling, pouring or immersion.

The CME Church practices infant baptism.  This baptism represents the blessing of infants or children in a worship service which usually involves thanksgiving for the gift of the child and the commitment of the mother and father to Christian parenthood and to Christian nurture and support.  The congregation also commits to support and nurture the child.  The church also encourages affirmation or personal confession by the child, acknowledging that he/she has decided Christian discipleship for him or herself.

The Lord's Supper:  The Lord's Supper is at the heart of the Church's life.  It is variously called "The Eucharist," "The Lord's Supper," "The Holy Communion," "The Divine Liturgy" and "The Mass."

This one table, as it is often called, through the bread and the cup is a memorial that is done in remembrance of Jesus the Christ.  The breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup are the vessels which bear the presence of Jesus Christ.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  A Larger Catechism, by Bishop Marshall Gilmore; A Godward Guide to Study and Worship for the Ministry and the Laity, by Rev. Herbert Lee Burton; the Hymnal of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; and Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, Faith.