Baptism
Mark 16:16
The Baptismal Covenant is God's Word to us, proclaiming our adoption by grace, and our word to God, promising our response of faith and love. Those within the covenant constitute the community we call the Church. The basic service of the Baptismal Covenant is Holy Baptism, by which we are incorporated into the Church, which is the body of Christ, and made one in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-28). Because baptism initiates us into Christ's whole church and not just a denomination or local church, HTCC recognizes all Christian baptisms and looks upon baptism as something that should unite rather than divide, Christians.
At HTCC you may be baptized by any mode used by Christians. Candidates have a choice of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Each mode brings out part of the rich and diverse symbolism given to baptism by the Bible. Each is a form of washing which symbolizes the washing away of sin (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21). Being totally buried in water and raised from it is a powerful symbol of our burial and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12) and being born anew of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5). Pouring or sprinkling water upon a person's head signifies God's pouring out of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:9-10; Luke 3:21-22; Acts 19:1-7).
Baptism is an act that looks back with gratitude on what God's grace has already accomplished. It is here and now an act of God' grace, and it looks forward to what God's grace will accomplish in the future.
Communion
Holy Communion or The Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night before His death, and His disciples experienced it in the breaking of bread with the risen Christ (Luke 24:30-35; John 21:13). We follow this act in remembrance of Him.
At HTCC we believe that Holy Communion is a sacrament of our redemption by Christ's death and of our hope in His victorious return, as well as a sign of the love that Christians have for each other. To such as receive it humbly, with a proper spirit and by faith. Holy Communion is a means through which God communicates grace to the heart (Matthew 26:26-28; Luke 22:19-20; John 6:48-58; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; 10:3-4, 16-17; 11:23-29).
Our Rites
Holy Matrimony/Covenants/Holy Unions
More commonly known as marriage services are conducted between two persons who seek faithfulness to God and one another exclusively through the exchange of vows/promises. Often a six month dating period is required in addition to pre-nuptial counseling with the Pastor.
Reconciliation/Healing
For persons seeking healing for body, mind or spirit through prayer, laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
Other Rites
Christenings, funerals, blessings for special occasions.
