Sacraments at St. Mark's
Holy Baptism: Belonging to Christ
If you desire to be baptized or seek Holy Baptism for your child, talk with the pastor after worship on any Sunday or call the church office during the week. He will be pleased to talk with you about Baptism and what it means to become part of the body of Christ.
Generally, we ask that families desiring baptism of a child worship with us at least four times before the child's baptism. An important part of baptism, for both the child and the parents, is that baptism is being "adopted" into the community of Christ — the body of Christ, which is the church.
If you wish to join St. Mark's Lutheran Church to experience the full benefits of being part of the body of Christ, see our "Membership" page for more information and dates for new member orientation.
Holy Baptism is one of two sacraments Lutherans observe, the other is the Lord's Supper. In the rite for Holy Baptism, we confess: "In Holy Baptism, our gracious heavenly Father liberates us from sin and death by joining us to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are born children of a fallen humanity; in the water of Baptism we are reborn children of God and inheritors of eternal life. By water and the Holy Spirit, we are made members of the Church which is the body of Christ. As we live with Christ and with his people, we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God."
In his Small Catechism, Martin Luther teaches us: “In Baptism God forgives sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives everlasting salvation to all who believe what he has promised.” These gifts are only given through God's Word together with the water of the sacrament, which are available in the church.
At St. Mark's Lutheran Church, we take baptism very seriously. We follow Christ's command: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age” (Matthew 26:19-20).
For us Holy Baptism, discipleship, and participation in a church are linked together. As disciples, we learn and obey God's word, receive forgiveness of sin, and take part in the on-going life and ministry of a local church.
Holy Communion: Gathered into community
Lutherans believe that Christ is truly present with us in the bread and wine of Holy Communion. We invite all baptized Christians to partake of the Lord's Supper. Children not yet communing are invited to the altar with their parents to receive a blessing.
At St. Mark's, we celebrate the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) at every Sunday and Saturday worship service. If you have questions, contact Pastor Hanson by phone or before the service.
page created: 20 JUN 2011
page updated: 05 AUG 2011
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