HOLY BAPTISM

Holy Baptism is God's gift of entry into the Body of Christ, the Church, through faith (also a gift).  The water and the Word of God wash away all that separates us from a living relationship with the living God.   The amount of water is not important for baptism itself.

We believe that baptism is not something that we earn or deserve, but is a gift from God.  Therefore we baptize infants as well as adults.  

At the same time, we do not believe that baptism is a mechanical ritual.  Young people who have been baptized take part in a two year period of instruction called Confirmation starting as early as middle school.  At the end of that time they are invited to affirm, or say “yes” to, what God has already done for them in baptism.  And, we continue to grow into our Baptismal gift every day.

   We do not re-baptize people because, since what happens in baptism is God’s action, it would be saying that God didn’t do it right the first time.

We always rejoice at statements of faith and re-dedication to living the Christian life, however.

HOLY COMMUNION

Holy Communion is a sacrament of the Lutheran branch of the Christian Church. In it we commune with the living presence of Jesus Christ in the forms of break and wine (grape juice is also provided). This communion gives us assurance that because Jesus died for us we will live with Him and his community of the faithful forever.  

We currently celebrate Holy Communion in the first, and third Sundays, as well as special festivals in the Church Year calendar.

   We would gladly share more information with you about Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, and Martin Luther's Small Catechism, a small book he wrote, in part, to help parents and all Christians summarize the Bible's teaching on Holy Communion.