The Rites and Sacraments of the Lutheran Church
Holy Baptism
Baptism is the entrance right into the Church. It is the place one’s sins are washed away, clothed with Christ’s righteousness, united to Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. If you or your child would like to learn more about receiving the sacrament of baptism, complete this form.
Private Confession
What is Absolution?
Absolution is Christ’s word of forgiveness spoken through His Church. By His command, a pastor pronounces the forgiveness of sins to the repentant, and this word is as certain and sure as if Christ Himself were speaking it. (2 Samuel 12:1–13; Proverbs 28:13; John 20:22–23; James 5:15–16)
What grace does God give in Absolution?
In absolution, God forgives my sins for the sake of Christ’s cross, removes my guilt, restores me to fellowship with Him, and gives me the sure comfort that I stand justified and at peace with God. (Psalm 32; Matthew 18:18; Acts 5:30–32; 1 John 1:8–10)
What is necessary to receive the grace of Absolution?
Repentance and faith. Repentance is sorrow over sin and the desire to turn from it. Faith trusts the promise of Christ that the forgiveness spoken in absolution is truly given by God Himself. (Psalm 51; Matthew 3:1–12; 2 Corinthians 7:10; 1 John 1:8–9)
What does receiving this sacrament of absolution look like?
Schedule a time for Private Confession with Pastor.
Whether you’ve been to confession often or just thought about it, it can be a anxious inducing thought. But don’t let nerves or fear hold you back. Confession is a gift from God to His children. Private Confession and Absolution is not a place of condemnation but a place of grace and forgiveness.
What does Confession look like:
Schedule 20-30 minutes to meet in a church sanctuary or a quiet outdoor setting.
The pastor gives a greeting.
Follow the Rite of Private Confession and Absolution.
“Pastor, please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will.”
Pray the General Prayer of Confession, expressing your sorrow for your sins.
“What troubles me particularly is that . . .” Confess those specific sins on your conscious.
Say, “I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better.”
The pastor may gently ask some questions or offer advice to help you in the areas of struggle.
The pastor, by the command of Christ, then absolves you from your sins.
Depart rejoicing in the forgiveness of Christ!
Resources:
A Neglected Means of Grace, Chapter 10 from Christ’s Church by Bo Giertz
Private Confession and Absolution in the Lutheran Church by Concordia Theological Quarterly (academic journal)
The Forgotten Medicine (short book)
First Communion
Because we believe Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given for the forgiveness of our sins, we invite all students 7 years older and above to complete a year long First Communion course. In this time they learn what Holy Communion is, the gift of it, and how to receive it.
Student Confirmation
Confirmation is a three-year discipleship program focused on helping young people (6th-8th graders) deepen their personal faith identity in Christ and His Church. It is a process undertaken during a significant point in a young persons development into adulthood and culminates in the Rite of Confirmation where they affirm their baptismal faith before the congregation.
During Confirmation, students will complete a study of the Old and New Testament, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacraments, and Luther's Small Catechism. They will also be encouraged to develop habits of Christian formation, such as prayer, Scripture reading, and service.
Confirmation is a launching pad for a life-long journey of following Jesus!
Marriage
What is Christian marriage?
Christian marriage, or Holy Matrimony, is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, uniting them in self-giving love, joy, and faithfulness. It is ordained by God for the procreation and spiritual nurture of children, the sanctification of husband and wife, the mutual support of their common life, and the flourishing of family, church, and society. Husband and wife enter into this covenant by exchanging vows before God and in the presence of witnesses. (Genesis 2:18–25; Song of Solomon 4:7–10; Matthew 19:3–9; John 2:1–11; Romans 7:2–3; Hebrews 13:4; see questions 322–23)
Oil of Anointing for the sick
What is the anointing of the sick?
Through prayer and anointing with oil, the minister invokes God’s blessing upon those suffering in body, mind, or spirit. (1 Kings 17:17– 24; Psalm 107:17–22; Matthew 8:14–17; 10:5–8; Acts 28:8; James 5:15–16)