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Holy BaptismThe Sacrament of Holy Baptism is celebrated during worship services so the congregation shares in this adoption by God's Grace. We have some special baptismal traditions at St. John's. Following the baptism, we move to the center aisle and all link hands to shoulders to be connected as one while Pastor anoints the newly baptized with oil. When we return to our seats, Pastor walks around the church for all to see the newly baptized while we sing a hymn (often Borning Cry). Children as well as adults are baptized at St. John's.
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Holy Communion
St. John's celebrates Holy Communion every weekend.
Holy Communion is a sacred meal in which Christ comes to us in bread and wine. “This is my body given for you… This is my blood shed for you.” We believe those words to be true. Christ is truly present in Holy Communion. When we receive the bread and wine of this meal, we receive his body and blood.
Christ comes to us in, with and under the bread and wine to nourish the faith of Christians and the whole Church. We share in a sacred meal that spans all time and space. We commune with the saints who have gone before us and with other Christians around the globe who gather at our Lord’s table. The uncontainable presence, grace, love, and forgiveness and mercy of Christ come to us in simple bread and wine.
Holy Communion is a sacred meal in which Christ comes to us in bread and wine. “This is my body given for you… This is my blood shed for you.” We believe those words to be true. Christ is truly present in Holy Communion. When we receive the bread and wine of this meal, we receive his body and blood.
Christ comes to us in, with and under the bread and wine to nourish the faith of Christians and the whole Church. We share in a sacred meal that spans all time and space. We commune with the saints who have gone before us and with other Christians around the globe who gather at our Lord’s table. The uncontainable presence, grace, love, and forgiveness and mercy of Christ come to us in simple bread and wine.
First Communion
St. John's has reflected changing practices around First Communion age across the Lutheran Church. Sharing in Holy Communion is both about experience and a growing understanding of what this meal means and does for us.
As children learn in worship, and recognizing stages of childhood development, we believe that children are generally ready to begin receiving instruction to prepare for Holy Communion at age 6 or older.
Deciding to take this step of seeking instruction to prepare for receiving Holy Communion should be done in conversation among child, parents or faith guardians, Pastor and other adults who share in the child's church life.
Experience has shown us that children benefit from learning in a group with others of similar age, along with their parents/faith guardians. Whenever possible, First Communion instruction should happen as a group experience. St. Johns will strive to offer age-appropriate First Communion instruction that includes participation of parents/faith guardians once or twice a year as needed.
As children learn in worship, and recognizing stages of childhood development, we believe that children are generally ready to begin receiving instruction to prepare for Holy Communion at age 6 or older.
Deciding to take this step of seeking instruction to prepare for receiving Holy Communion should be done in conversation among child, parents or faith guardians, Pastor and other adults who share in the child's church life.
Experience has shown us that children benefit from learning in a group with others of similar age, along with their parents/faith guardians. Whenever possible, First Communion instruction should happen as a group experience. St. Johns will strive to offer age-appropriate First Communion instruction that includes participation of parents/faith guardians once or twice a year as needed.
Affirmation of Baptism, Confirmation
Confirmation classes at St John’s are available to youth who have completed at least the fifth grade. We offer a two year program with the following goals:
These goals are accomplished under the direction of our Pastor with the assistance of Brenda Neundorf. Confirmation class is held weekly, September thru May.
We have resources available to provide confirmation education to youth who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
Please speak with Pastor if you have a child interested in participating in this program.
- Know the books of the Bible. Maybe not memorize the order but at least know if it is Old or New Testament and be able to find scripture verses with minimal assistance.
- Be able to speak and understand the Lord’s Prayer- being familiar with both the traditional and ecumenical translations
- Understand the significance of the Apostle’s Creed and know the difference between that and the Nicene Creed. Know that the Athanasian Creed exists
- Know and understand the significance of Ten Commandments
- Know who Martin Luther was and why he is important to Lutherans
- Know the two sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion recognized by Lutherans
- Understand what it means when we say Lutherans interpret the Bible through the lens of Jesus
- Know without a doubt that they are loved, and no one can separate them from the love of God
- Practice putting their faith into action in daily living.
These goals are accomplished under the direction of our Pastor with the assistance of Brenda Neundorf. Confirmation class is held weekly, September thru May.
We have resources available to provide confirmation education to youth who have intellectual and/or physical disabilities.
Please speak with Pastor if you have a child interested in participating in this program.
Weddings
Marriage is a gift of God, intended for the joy and mutual strength of those who enter it and for the well-being of the whole human family. We are created in God’s image and blessed with gifts for companionship, love, care, and nurture, including the raising of children. Jesus affirmed the covenant of marriage and revealed God’s own self-giving love on the cross. The Holy Spirit helps those who are united in marriage to be living signs of God’s grace, love, and faithfulness.
At weddings, couples offer mutual vows of commitment which are publicly witnessed. The church surrounds these promises with the gathering of God’s people, the witness of the Word of God, and prayers of blessing and intercession.
St. John’s welcomes opposite-gender and same-gender couples, members or non-members, to be married in the church. Pastor invites couples to engage in marriage preparation for growing in a healthy married relationship as well as planning for the wedding service. Contact Pastor to inquire about getting married. To see St. John’s Wedding Policy, contact the office.
Pastor is also available to officiate at weddings in other locations other than St. John’s.
At weddings, couples offer mutual vows of commitment which are publicly witnessed. The church surrounds these promises with the gathering of God’s people, the witness of the Word of God, and prayers of blessing and intercession.
St. John’s welcomes opposite-gender and same-gender couples, members or non-members, to be married in the church. Pastor invites couples to engage in marriage preparation for growing in a healthy married relationship as well as planning for the wedding service. Contact Pastor to inquire about getting married. To see St. John’s Wedding Policy, contact the office.
Pastor is also available to officiate at weddings in other locations other than St. John’s.
Affirmation of Wedding Vows
St. John's also offers married couples an opportunity for Reaffirmation of your wedding vows. Whether it's your 10th wedding anniversary or your 60th anniversary, whether you would like to reaffirm your vows at St. John's or in a different setting, Pastor is available to officiate the service.
Funerals
Upon the death of a loved one, please contact the church office or Pastor Erin as soon as possible. The pastor is available to comfort the grieving and to help with the funeral planning. Upon request, the Women of the ELCA of St. John's offer a luncheon in Miller Hall following a funeral service. Please talk to Pastor about arrangements for the luncheon. To see St. John's funeral policy, contact the office.
