Baptism, Communion, Special Services
Baptism
Baptism is another Sacrament in our church. Baptism usually takes place during a worship service when the infant is from one to nine months old and symbolizes his or her birth into the church family. By touching the baby's forehead with water, the minister reminds the members of the congregation of Christ's baptism and of our own baptisms, and our responsibility to take care of and raise this baby in our church family.
Baptism at West Side take place once a month at either the 8:45 or 11:15 a.m. service. Dates this year are: October 18, November 15, December 20, January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18, May 16, and June 20. Contact the Rev. Kent Smith at 201-652-1966, ext. 12 for more information, or send an email to Kent@westside.org.
Communion
We trust in God the Holy Spirit who feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation...
These words from "A Brief Statement of Faith" reiterate the importance of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper for Presbyterians. They affirm that the initial action of this divine meal begins with God. God in Jesus the Christ offers the bread and the cup and bids us come.
Everyone who believes is welcome at the Lord's Supper, which is held on the first Sunday of the month. You do not have to be a member of our church or any church. It is an open communion, regardless of your faith tradition or affiliation. Dates for this year are October 4, November 1, December 6, January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, and August 1.
We who come need not be concerned about our personal appearance or aptitude. What matters is that the love, the grace, and the hospitality of the host create The unanimity among us. This meal is provided, not because we have earned the right to eat and drink with Jesus, but simply as an act of divine love. The service of thanksgiving and praise includes thanks for God's creation, for deliverance from sin, for the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and for the privilege of participating in the promised fullness of the kingdom.
Christmas Eve Services
There are three services on the day before Christmas:
• At 2 p.m., there is a Family Vespers Service, led by the Rev. Kent Smith, and using stories and songs to tell the Christmas message.
• At 4 p.m., the Service of Lessons and Carols features the Youth and Senior High Choirs, handbells, and brass instruments, plus readers, and uses Scriptural passages describing the events of Jesus' birth.
• The 10:30 p.m. Communion Service features the Chancel Choir, harp, strings, and preaching from the senior pastor. It is preceded by a half-hour of music from the handbell choirs and instruments.
Easter
Festival Easter Services take place at 8:45 and 11:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday, with participation by the Chancel and Senior High Choirs, brass, and Westminster Bell Choir. The prelude begins at 8:20 and 10:50 a.m.