Quick Look
- An insightful book which reveals how the seven sacraments of The Christian Community contribute to community building
- Inspiring reading for those interested in deepening their understanding of the sacraments and looking to grow a more vibrant church community
- Written by experienced Christian Community priest Ulrich Meier, author of numerous books on aspects of the sacraments and ethics
A thoughtful exploration of the seven sacraments of The Christian Community from an experienced priest, revealing how a stronger community connection can be formed through common worship.
Description
Modern society places great emphasis on the individual as a dynamic, creative force, free to pursue their own goals and ambitions. Despite this, people still long to be part of a community and form meaningful relationships with other human beings. One of the places this deeper connection can be found is in common worship.
In this thoughtful book, Ulrich Meier shows how each of the seven sacraments of The Christian Community contributes to community building. For instance, he explores how, through baptism, the community welcomes a new life on earth, aware of the life that was lived in spirit before birth; confirmation marks the transition from the close ties of parents and teachers to a wider community; and in sacramental consultation, individuals explore the relationship of their past actions to their future intentions.
This book is for people who wish to deepen their understanding of the sacraments, and help to build a more vibrant church community.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Tom Ravetz 7
Introduction 11
1. Anointing: The Art of Dying 21
2. Baptism: A Festival of Recognition 26
3. Confirmation: Dismissed into Life 32
4. Communion: Becoming One Body 38
5. Consultation: Remembrance and Renewal 44
6. Marriage: An Enhancement of Life’s Potential 50
7. Ordination: A Priestly Siblinghood 55
8. Community in Christ 62
9. Celebrating Life 69
Notes 75
Bibliography 79
Reviews
'The Christian Community has seven sacraments, each with its own unique purpose. In this book their essence is made very clear, and it becomes apparent how they all radiate their unique power in the creating and maintaining of community life. Now we have a special book, meant for all the friends and members of The Christian Community who may have lived with the sacraments for years and still want to deepen their understanding of their working in (as we hear in the baptism), 'the community of the Christ Jesus'.
-- Revds Lucienne van Bergenhenegouwen and Willem Boonstoppel, Camphill Correspondence
Author
Ulrich Meier was born in Hamburg in 1960. He studied at the seminary in Stuttgart and was ordained as a priest of The Christian Community in 1990. After working in a congregation, Meier took over the management of the seminary in Hamburg in 2006. He is also the editor of Die Christengemeinschaft, the journal of The Christian Community, and author of a number of books on aspects of the sacraments and on ethics.
