Sacraments & Ceremonies

In Christian belief and practice, a sacrament is a rite that mediates divine grace, constituting a sacred mystery. The root meaning of the Latin word sacramentum is to “make sacred”. Views concerning both what rites are sacramental, and what it means for an act to be sacramental vary among Christian denominations and traditions.

Every human life is a gift from God. In the Psalms it says, “Don’t you see that children are GOD’S best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?” In response to this gift, God’s people have honored him by dedicating their children to his purposes.

We find this in the story of Jesus’ own life: “When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22).

We believe that children belong to God, and are entrusted into our hands for but a season. It’s a call to love and protect, to challenge, and to gradually and eventually release these precious children. It requires every resource we have.

The good news is that we don’t have to do this on our own. Jesus talks about God’s mother-like desire to “gather (her) children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings...” (Matthew 23:37). God is there all along the way of a child’s growth, and his resources are there for the asking.

And within the Church, we’re called to ensure that no parent stands alone… that no child is without many aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters. We’re here to help them bear this awesome responsibility of raising children.

Dedications will be once a month on the 2nd Sunday of the month. If you’d like to dedicate your infant or child, please contact our Office Administrator at (734) 477-9135 x111, or send an email with the following information:

* child’s name
* the name of each parent
* your phone number and e-mail address
* the child’s birthdate
* who would you like on the stage during the dedication
* which pastor you would like to perform the ceremony
* photo of the child

Premarital Counseling provides each couple with a framework for investing the time, energy, thought and prayer that a commitment of this magnitude calls for. Often in the hustle and bustle of modern life, this energy is absorbed by the practical details of wedding planning, work and other pursuits—and the more important, but less urgent demands of marriage preparation are neglected.

Learn more about our premarital counseling & weddings by visiting our premarital counseling & weddings page.

In what has come to be called the Last Supper, Jesus shared the Passover meal with his most intimate followers on the night he was betrayed. At that meal, Jesus taught his disciples that the Passover was a sign that pointed to him. He was the spotless lamb whose body would be broken and whose blood would be shed for the forgiveness of sins.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29)

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church regarding the continuing practice of this meal:

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Cor 11:23-26)

Today, Christians acknowledge this new covenant by celebrating the communion meal (also known as the Lord’s Supper, or the “Eucharist” – from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”). At Vineyard, we celebrate communion at our weekend celebrations by sharing bread and grape juice (the fruit of the vine). If communion isn’t something meaningful to you, please feel free to simply pass. Some small groups also celebrate communion together.

Learn more about our baptism by visiting our baptism page.