"Baptism and Holy Communion are two things which Jesus told all followers to do.” Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, while Communion nourishes and sustains us on the journey. Both are signs of God’s inward and invisible grace for us.
“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” – Acts 2:38- 39
Baptism is a vital step in your relationship with Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward transformation into God’s new creation. When you’re baptized, you’re not only rejecting sin’s power over your life, you’re also accepting that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and beginning your journey as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Essentially, you’re being “initiated into Christ’ holy church… incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit…all this is God’s gift, offered to us without a price.” – UMC’s Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Asbury believes that Scripture is the ultimate authority in our lives and in the practice of our faith. Scripture teaches us that “In the Beginning,” God created humans (us!) in His image, but sin distorted that image. However, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and set us free – He is the KEY to life. Baptism helps us as disciples to begin the work of renewing ourselves into the image of Christ during our earthly journey, until we are reunited with Him in Heaven.
All Baptisms are scheduled through our Membership office! Please call Terri at 918.392.1139 or click here (hyperlink) to begin the process.
If you were baptized in another Christian church, you will not be “re-baptized” at Asbury. We believe God was active in your life far before coming to Asbury and that the sacrament can only be received once. However, we do host a special service once a year where you can “remember your Baptism and be thankful.”
Not only are you taking vows during the service, the congregation is too! As a community of Christ and during everyone’s path of lifelong discipleship, your Asbury family will surround you with love, forgiveness, prayers and support during your journey with Jesus. Baptism is also an act that brings you into spiritual relationship with the whole body of Christ – where you are becoming one with them and they are becoming one with you.
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:26-28
Otherwise known as Word & Table, Communion is a way we remember Jesus and unite with His Story – becoming human, ministering throughout his life, dying on the cross, raising from the dead, ascending into Heaven and waiting for His future return. It is also a special moment for us to repent of our sins, be comforted by His grace and experience His presence. Communion is sacred because Jesus, who is both human and divine, took the bread and wine and declared, as stated in Scripture above, “This is my body. This is my blood.”
Jesus told us to participate in Communion “in remembrance of me.” John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed every Christian should take Communion frequently. This is why we celebrate coming to the Table as our response to the Word of God… every service, every week.
Absolutely! We have an “open table,” meaning you don’t have to be a member of Asbury Church to receive Communion. ALL are invited to the Lord’s Table, but don’t feel pressured to participate, as it is optional.
Asbury is a multi-generational church – we believe every age is welcome and invited to the Lord’s table. For parents of children and students, we suggest explaining the importance of Communion beforehand. Our Family Ministry, AsburyKids and Asbury Students, can help you find age-appropriate ways to do so.
Our communion bread is made in the building by our very own Virginia Huddleston!
Virginia arrives bright and early – 5:30 am to be exact – on Sunday mornings to start baking, with the hope of you smelling the fresh bread while walking into worship services.
We believe the sacraments (bread and juice) are symbols of God’s grace, rather than the actual changing into of the physical and literal body and blood of Jesus.
I started volunteering when Asbury was on Sheridan Road. I had a friend (Dave Wuellner) and we were on the Asbury Mission Board together. He kept asking me to be on his Usher team, so one Sunday I tried it and I kept on doing it. I enjoyed serving others and the fellowship of the team.
