Other Sacraments
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace”
—Book of Common Prayer, p. 857
Episcopalians most commonly focus on the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), but there are several other sacraments, too.
Confirmation
We believe it is important to make an adult confession of faith. At Confirmation, we affirm the vows made on our behalf when we were baptized. The service is led by a Bishop and usually is held in the Diocese of Atlanta’s Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta.
Matrimony
In Holy Matrimony, a man and a woman agree to live and love one another as a sign of God’s love for us all. A wedding is officiated by a priest and first and foremost is a worship service with God as the subject, and the bride and groom as the main worshippers. St. Nicholas has a Wedding Customary with guidelines.
There are fees for people who are not members of St. Nicholas. However, we fully expect couples to become part of the life of the congregation before they marry.
Unction
The priest lays hands on anyone who is sick or dying, anointing them with oil, so they may experience God’s healing power and love. We do this informally in our Sunday service, but it can be done whenever someone is sick.
Reconciliation of a Penitent
Also known as Confession, in this sacrament we seek to be made right with God. As a result of our choices and our humanity, we separate ourselves from God. Reconciliation is the way back home. While it is a service of worship, it is usually done privately with a priest so as to uphold confidentiality. We do not do confession in a box but in an informal practice in the church or in the priest’s office.
Orders
When a person is set apart to do God’s specific ministry as either a Bishop, a Priest, or a Deacon, they take Holy Orders.
We believe all people are ministers in the church, and some have the specific gifts needed to do an ordained ministry. Realization of such gifts come through a formal discernment process in the congregation and in the Diocese of Atlanta. If such gifts are discerned by the local and broader community, a person is ordained by the Bishop.
Burial of the Dead
Our pastor should be called immediately when someone is very ill or has died.
Burial of the Dead, or a memorial service, is not a sacrament but is an important pastoral service in the life of a congregation. We are reminded that death is not the end of life, but a change in life, and as “resurrection people,” we hope for the day where all of us are joined together in full unity with God and each other in the resurrection.
Funeral arrangements may be made any time, choosing the form of worship, the music, and other specifications.
Other Forms of Worship
There are many other ways to worship God. When couples have a new child, when we move into a new home, when we are taking on a new ministry, when we lose a pet to death, or any other life event, we can worship God. Please see our pastor if you have any such needs.