Understanding the Sacraments
A course for interested lay people, including intending Lay Presiders and others with responsibility for Sacraments in their local setting (e.g. Church Councillors and Elders)
Understanding the Sacraments is a four day course designed to enable lay people to engage with the theology and practice of the two sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, as seen by the Uniting Church in Australia. It is open to any interested lay person to attend, complete the assessment tasks, and gain a Certificate of Achievement.
Church Councils and Elders have particular responsibilities regarding sacraments, including consideration and approval of Baptisms. How should we make these decisions? What is expected of the congregation? What do we expect of the baptised and/or their families? How do we treat infant and adult baptisms? What has happened to Confirmation?
Communion is our common Christian meal, yet there seem to be lots of different practices and customs. Why? What do we need to consider in our local context?
The course also covers the topics listed in the Assembly Standing Committee’s guidelines concerning preparation for authorisation as a Lay Presider, so ELM suggests that successful completion of the course with its assessment tasks can be an important part of the process of authorisation used by Presbyteries.
Cost is $100 pp for the whole four day / eight night course.
BYO lunches (if applicable), morning and afternoon tea (or supper) supplied.
Outline of Course
Day 1 Polity & Worship / Sacraments
Day 2 Sacraments / Baptism
Day 3 Baptism / Holy Communion
Day 4 Holy Communion / Service Preparation
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Presidency at the Sacraments - Refresher Course
Registration
A course for authorized Lay Presiders, Ministers and others with responsibility for Sacraments in their local setting (e.g. Church Councillors and Elders)
Based on the Understanding the Sacraments course, this day is designed to support people involved in sacramental ministry. Participants are asked to reflect on their local practices and bring liturgies and stories to share.
BYO lunches (if applicable), morning and afternoon tea (or supper) supplied.
Outline of Course
- Things to celebrate
- Areas of Interest and Concern
- Designing, Sharing and Finding Resources
- Case Studies and Critical Incidents
- Deepening our Sacramental Theologies
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Understanding the Sacraments (Summary for Bulletins)
Understanding the Sacraments is designed to help members of the Church better understand the two sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. It is useful for Elders and Church Councillors and anyone wishing to understand how Sacraments are a means of grace and nourishment to Christian disciples. It is also an important part of the practical training of leaders who may be authorised to become lay presiders by their Presbyteries. (Note: Participation and completion of this course does not guarantee that a person will be authorised as a Lay Presider.)
This course is usually run on demand by local Presbyteries.
Cost is usually $100 pp for the whole four day / eight night course.
BYO lunches (if applicable), morning and afternoon tea (or supper) supplied.
