The spiritual formation of our
parish centers around the Sunday worship services. Our worship is God-centered, with
Christ as the chief minister and celebrant, as well as the one celebrated. Worship
at the Frankfort and Elberta churches include four essential structures-- 1) the
rites of Christian initiation (baptism, confirmation, and receiving new members);
2) Celebration of the Lord's Supper (celebrated on the first Sunday of the month);
3) seasons and feasts (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary
Time); 4) patterns of daily prayer. A biblically-based sermon is given by the preacher
while the Chancel Choir or other talent offers the ministry of music.
Baptism
Baptism is the sacrament through
which God lays a claim on our lives that is never relinquished. Through baptism,
one is united with Christ and incorporated into the Body of Christ, the Church. Children,
as well as youth and adults, are baptized in the United Methodist tradition. Children
too young for the Confirmation process may be baptized if at least one parent is
an active member at either the Frankfort or Elberta church. For questions, consult
the pastor.
Recommended reading: William H. Willimon, Remember Who You Are: Baptism, a Model
for Christian Life (Nashville: Upper Room Books), 1980.
Holy
Communion
Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper)
is the sacrament through which God sustains our Faith. The loaf and cup are a holy
meal eaten and drunk as a participation in Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross.
The Frankfort and Elberta churches practice the United Methodist tradition of the
open table, that any and all who desire to partake of the Lord's bounty are invited
to do so. In addition to the first Sunday of each month, Communion is also celebrated
on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday.
Recommended reading: William H. Willimon, Sunday Dinner: The Lord's Supper and the
Christian Life (Nashville: Upper Room Books), 1981.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the process whereby
persons who were baptized as infants or young children prepare themselves to make
their first public profession of faith. Confirmation classes are held as the need
arises, typically for youth age 13 and older.
Bible
Studies
Throughout the year there are offered
a variety of Bible studies which tend to be based on the theme of the Church Calendar
(Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, et cetera). On a rolling basis, we also offer
a 12-week study entitled Beginnings: An Introduction to the Christian Faith at a
non-church site in or around the community.
Special
Needs Church School
Since 2000, the Special Needs Church
School has been serving the spiritual needs of those in the community who are mentally
handicapped. Biblically-based lessons, creative activities, snacks, and fellowship
make this ministry a blessing not only to the students, but also to our entire faith
community. The class meets from September to June at the Frankfort church at noon
to 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month.
