Home

The Mission of Friedens UCC is to reach out to all people
and to share the love, care, and support of God.

"In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion."
—From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ

• 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.
  • Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God's gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift
  • Water is an essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible, therefore water is used. At Friedens we sprinkle water on the forehead.
  • Infants, children, youth and adults can be baptized. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized before, 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.
  • Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered.
  • If you are seeking baptism, please contact the church office.

• Communion

  • The communion meal recalls the table fellowship Jesus shared with his disciples, and in particular the Last Supper on the night before his death as well as his appearances to the disciples during meals following his resurrection.
  • 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.
  • The Communion Table is "open to all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God's people." Some visitors from churches which believe communion should only be celebrated among Christians who are in full doctrinal agreement might not choose to participate. Their decision is respected.
  • Traditionally at Friedens only those who have been confirmed participate in communion. Increasingly children have been welcomed to the Table at their parents' discretion.
  • During the traditional service bread and wafers are passed out to the congregation following with wine and grape juice. The congregation is instructed as to when to partake of the elements. During the "New Roots" service communion is served by intinction. Participants walk forward to receive either bread or a wafer and dip it in a challis of wine. If a person is not able to walk to the alter due to mobility issues an usher will bring the elements to those people.
  • Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month in addition to special holidays or occasions such as Good Friday, Christmas, etc.

• Confirmation

  • Students in 8th grade receive one year of instruction in addition to Sunday School. They meet once a week on a day agreed upon by all families involved. Classes begin in September and continue until Testimony Sunday.
  • This class is taught by our pastor.
  • Testimony Sunday is the Sunday before Palm Sunday.
  • Confirmation takes place on Palm Sunday.
  • Confirmans receive their first communion on Easter.
  • Confirmation is a time when students learn about: the organization of the UCC, a more indepth insight into the Bible, understanding God, understanding Christian Beliefs, the importance of the church, and a more personal journey into their faith.