Sacraments
INSTITUTED BY CHRIST. APPLIED TO BELIEVERS.
What are Sacraments?
The sacraments are special signs God gave us to show and confirm his promises to us in Christ.
They remind us of the gospel, strengthen our faith, and mark us as part of God’s people.
They also call us to live faithfully in response to God’s grace.
Each sacrament has a visible sign (like water or bread) that points to a deeper spiritual truth.
The power of the sacraments comes from God through the Holy Spirit and his Word.
Jesus gave us two sacraments in the New Testament: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper.
Only ordained ministers should lead these sacraments.
The Old Testament had sacraments, too. They looked different, but pointed to the same gospel promises we celebrate today.
In short: Sacraments help us see, remember, and receive God’s grace in Christ.
In accordance with the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms and the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), our church observes two sacraments: Baptism and The Lord’s Supper.
Sacraments at West End
Baptism
Whether you're a parent, new believer, or exploring faith, baptism is a beautiful declaration of belonging in God’s family.
A sign of God's covenant grace
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament commanded by Jesus.
It is a sign and seal of God’s promises to his people.
It marks believers and their children as part of God’s covenant family.
It's not what saves us, but it points to the one who does: Jesus Christ.
“Baptism... signifies and seals our ingrafting into Christ.”
- Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q & A 94
Our Beliefs About Baptism
For infants and children:
Just as children belonged in God’s covenant in the Old Testament, we believe they still do. We baptize the children of believing parents, regardless of their ability to make a profession of faith, marking them as part of the visible church.
For believers:
Adults who come to faith in Jesus and have not been baptized are welcomed to receive this sign of God’s grace.
The covenant community:
Baptism reminds us that the Christian life is not lived alone. It places us into the family of God, supported by the church in our walk with Christ. We raise our children and grow in faith together as a church.
Baptism Criteria:
Anyone professing faith in Jesus Christ who hasn’t been baptized before
Children of believing parents who are members (or becoming members) of West End Community Church
Those baptized in any church or denomination in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit do not need to be re-baptized
What to Expect
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At West End, Baptisms happen during Sunday worship, as part of our gathered church family. Whether you’re being baptized or bringing a child, it’s a joyful and sacred moment filled with hope and the promises of God.
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Parents take vows to:
* Trust God for their child’s salvation
* Raise them in the gospel
* Teach them the faith and model it in daily life
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The congregation promises to:
* Support you in nurturing your child’s faith
*Walk alongside you as a church family
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Baptism FAQ
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No. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus. Baptism is a sign of that reality.
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If you were baptized in a Christian church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, no. That baptism still stands.
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At West End, we believe baptism is a sign of God's covenant promises to his people and their children. Just as children in the Old Testament received the covenant sign of circumcision, children of believing parents now receive the covenant sign of baptism. We pray that every baptized child will one day embrace Christ by faith and publicly profess him as Lord.
Learn more by watching this video. -
Yes, if one parent is a believer and member of the visible church.
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Discipleship. Baptism is the beginning of a lifelong journey of knowing, loving, and following Jesus!
Baptism Scheduling
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re new to Christianity, recently joined our church, or are bringing your child to be baptized, we’d love to walk with you through this meaningful step of faith.
The Lord’s Supper
A visible reminder of Christ's love, grace, and finished work for his people.
Why We Celebrate The Lord’s Supper
Each week at West End, we gather at the Lord's Table to remember Christ's sacrifice, receive his promises by faith, and celebrate our unity as his people. The Lord's Supper is one of the ways God strengthens and nourishes our faith as we follow Jesus together.
When we come to the Table, we:
Remember Christ's death for us
Receive God's promises by faith
Rejoice in our union with Christ
Celebrate our unity as the body of Christ
Look forward to the day when Jesus returns and we feast with him in his kingdom
The Lord's Supper points us back to the cross, strengthens us in the present, and directs our hope toward the future.
Ordinary Elements.
Extraordinary Grace.
Using ordinary elements of bread and the cup, God reminds us of the extraordinary reality of the gospel: Christ gave his body and shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. As we come to the Table in faith, the Holy Spirit strengthens and encourages us through the promises of God.
The Lord's Supper is not simply a memorial. It is a means of grace through which God nourishes his people, assuring us that we belong to him and to one another.
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
- Luke 22:19
Admission to the Table
The Lord's Supper is for those who have trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, have been baptized, and are seeking to follow him in faith and repentance.
Before coming to the Table, we encourage everyone to prayerfully examine their hearts, confess their sins, and rest in the grace of Christ.
If you are not yet a follower of Jesus, or if you are still exploring the Christian faith, we are grateful you are here. We invite you to observe this meal and consider the invitation Christ extends through the gospel.
Children who have not yet been admitted to the Lord's Table are encouraged to attend worship with their families, observe the sacrament, and learn its meaning.
If you would like to learn more about communion for your child, we invite you to contact our ministry team.
Weekly Communion
At West End, we celebrate the Lord's Supper during worship services each week.
After the invitation to the Table, the congregation is asked come forward by row to receive freshly baked gluten-free bread and grape juice from one of several stations.
After everyone has been served, we wait and receive the elements together as one body, reminding us that we are united in Christ and belong to one another.
Those who are not participating are welcome to remain seated or come forward with arms crossed over the chest to receive a blessing. Parents may also bring children forward to observe and learn about the sacrament.
