What is Presbyterian?

Baptism

Baptism is one of the two sacraments in the Presbyterian Church. In the Presbyterian church, we practice "covenant baptism," that is, that God has chosen us, not that we have chosen God. Thus, Presbyterians are able to baptize infants if the parents choose. We accept the baptisms of all other churches, because there is only one baptism, and that is by God through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

If you are interested in being baptized, or would like more information,

please call the church at 831-449-2717.

Communion

Communion is one of the two sacraments that Presbyterians recognize and practice. Communion is also known as the Lord's Supper, or the Eucharist, and commemorates the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before his death on the cross, and eventual resurrection on Easter.

In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul wrote, "For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

For us Presbyterians, communion is a service of remembrance. The bread is bread, and the juice is juice. At Northminster Presbyterian Church, we use grape juice instead of wine, and all are welcome to join us! You don't need to be a member of Northminster church, or a Presbyterian. Come and join us on the first Sunday of every month as we remember and celebrate what our Lord Jesus did for us!

Presbyterianism

Northminster Presbyterian Church is part of the largest Presbyterian denomination, the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, or PC (USA).

Presbyterians are a group of Protestant Christians, whose church is founded on the concept of democratic rule under the Word of God.

The basic beliefs of Presbyterians are the same as other Christians:

God-- the Creator of the universe
Christ-- the incarnation of God on earth
Holy Spirit-- the presence of God in the world and in the believer
The church-- a universal company of all Christ's followers
Forgiveness of sin-- made possible by the crucifixion of Jesus
Life everlasting-- shown by the resurrection of Jesus
Bible-- the inspired Word of God.

Presbyterians have two main sources for inspiration and guidance:

The Bible-- the inspired Word of God; and
Creeds and Confessions of the church. These include the Apostle's Creed, the Scots Confession, the Heidelberg Confession, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, the Confession of 1967 and more.

What makes Presbyterians unique?

The Presbyterian Church is a Representative Democracy governed by elders elected from and by the congregation. The elders serving in office form the governing board of the church, the SESSION. The Pastor of the church moderates the Session, but is not the primary decision maker of the church. That responsibility resides with the session.

Presbyterians are THINKERS as well. Many of the institutes of higher education in the United States and the world were formed by the Presbyterian church. Presbyterian Ministers of Word and Sacrament (the pastors) are required to have a bachelor's degree and a Master of Divinity degree from a seminary. Sermons in a PC(USA) church encourage the congregation to think for themselves and make their own decisions about their faith and beliefs.

So if you want to be a part of a church where your voice counts, and where you can think for yourself and want to be challenged, come join us at Northminster Presbyterian Church!