What We Believe Open Communion "At the Table of the Lord we celebrate with thanksgiving the saving acts and presence of Christ" The Lord's Supper, Communion, is celebrated in weekly worship and it is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The Oneness of the Church All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness and service. Freedom of Belief As Disciples, we are called together around two essentials of faith: a belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and that Christians are free to follow their conscience guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others. Baptism by Immersion "Through baptism into Christ, we enter into newness of life and are made one with the whole people of God." Just as the baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, it symbolizes the death and burial of the old self of the repentant believer, and the joyous birth of a brand new being in Christ. Those who founded the Disciples movement taught baptism by immersion as the accepted form. The Chalice The chalice symoblizes the central place of communion in worship for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The X-shaped cross o fthe disciple Andrew is a reminder of the minsitry of each person and the importance of evangelism. The Ministry of Believers Both ordained ministers and lay persons lead in worship, service and spirited growth. And above all that, Jesus Christ is the son of the Living God, who offers saving grace to all who seek it through His Son. | 
