Understanding the Sacraments
Understanding the Sacraments of the Uniting Church in Australia
An intensive course in understanding the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion / Eucharist within the Uniting Church:
- 2012: Fri 20 - Sun 22 January in Corryong (North East Victoria)
- 2011: June in Tasmania (Launceston and Hobart)
What are the Sacraments?
Sacraments are a core mark of the Christian church – they help define who we are and what we are on about. The course is designed to enable lay people to engage with the theology and practice of the two sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, as practised 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.
Come and explore why Jesus Christ instructed us to be faithful in sacramental ministry and what that might mean for us in a changing world context. This course is about God, passionate discipleship and engaging ministry. It will be led by people who are enthusiastic about ‘being’ Jesus’ disciples.
Who is the course for?
Recommended for Lay people who may be invited and authorised to celebrate the sacraments; authorised lay presiders who want a refresher; lay people who desire a deeper understanding of the sacraments in the Uniting Church; Presbytery PRC members (the authorising council in the Uniting Church); Presbytery and Synod leaders.
Any interested lay person may attend, complete the assessment tasks, and gain a Certificate of Achievement. Presbytery or Synod leaders may participate in a “train the trainers” program alongside either course to gain ELM accreditation as a Trainer for Understanding the Sacraments.
Authorisation as a Lay Presider
It is important to note that authorisation as a Lay Presider is entirely at the discretion of the Pastoral Relations Committee of the relevant Presbytery. Completion of this course does not guarantee that a participant will be authorised as a Lay Presider. While many Presbyteries may see completion of this course as appropriate preparation for a prospective Lay Presider, the Presbytery will also take into consideration the pastoral gifts and calling of the person, as well as the context in which the person would be ministering.
Pre-reading
Registered participants will receive a Course Workbook with pre-readings for each day of the course, and assessment tasks which will require preparation before the course. Register early to start your pre-reading and preparation!
Presbytery or Synod leaders engaged in the parallel “train the trainer” course will also receive a Train the Trainer Module with additional readings and assessment tasks.
Course costs and venues
Course costs are dependent on venue and catering arrangements, and include the course workbook and reading materials. Check the costs and venue details for the courses listed above.
What have others said about the course?
"As a long standing lay preacher who has been authorised to preside at Holy Communion for about 18 months now, I found the course on understanding the sacraments very helpful and enriching. The exposure over two weekends to the teaching of [the leaders] both broadened and deepened my understanding of the Uniting Church's approach to the sacraments and reassured me of our church's willingness and capacity to embrace those who are on the periphery of the church family. It also challenged all participants to a deeper understanding of why we baptise people and regularly celebrate communion, as well as addressing some of the tricky issues that can arise.
Before being authorised to preside at Communion, I had not previously aspired to serve in that capacity, but I now feel blessed by having responded to the call. I would certainly recommend it to other accredited lay preachers."
Before being authorised to preside at Communion, I had not previously aspired to serve in that capacity, but I now feel blessed by having responded to the call. I would certainly recommend it to other accredited lay preachers."
"A great course for lay people who want to understand more about the Sacraments of communion and baptism, not just for people who might be authorised to preside."
For more information contact:
Rohan Pryor: rohan [dot] pryor [at] ctm [dot] uca [dot] edu [dot] au, (03) 9340 8816
