Baptism and Communion

Lutherans believe the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism are gifts from God. In our worship, we partake of Holy Communion every Sunday. Also every Sunday, we remember our Baptism by passing the baptismal font on our way into the sanctuary and by turning toward the baptismal font at the beginning of each service.

Baptism

Jesus talked about Baptism as being “born again” into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Any person who wants to turn his or her life over to Christ, and who believes in the power of Baptism to forgive, renew, protect and save, can receive this sacrament. To read what Dr. Martin Luther wrote about Baptism, click here.

When babies are baptized, adult “sponsors” take the vows of faith on behalf of the child. When the child grows older, he or she goes through a special training process to receive the Rite of Confirmation, affirming for himself or herself the baptismal vows made earlier by the sponsors.

Older children and adults wishing to be baptized also go through a learning process. Please speak to the pastor if you are interested.

Lutheran RoseMore about Baptism

Communion

Lutherans believe the bread and wine of Holy Communion are “the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,” as Martin Luther wrote in his Small Catechism. To read more from Luther on Holy Communion, click here.

At PEACE, all people who have been baptized are welcome to partake of Holy Communion.

Not baptized? People who are not baptized, or who do not wish to receive communion, are welcome to go forward for a blessing. Please cross your arms over your chest to indicate to the server that you wish to receive a blessing only.

Gluten intolerant? Gluten-free wafers are available. Please speak to an usher when you arrive to make arrangements.

Don’t drink wine? For those who avoid wine, please take the wafer and use it to touch the outside edge of the wine chalice as a sign of receiving it.

Children? Many parents bring their children to the altar for a blessing. Children who are baptized, but not confirmed, may participate in Holy Communion if they feel called by the Spirit to do so, with a parent’s permission.

8:45 a.m. Worship: We line up in the central aisle to approach the altar. The pastor will give you a wafer, then you will turn to one side where a lay server will be holding a wine chalice. Dip your wafer into the wine or touch the wafer to the side of the chalice; many people say “Amen” after this. Follow the direction of the ushers to approach the altar.

11 a.m. Worship: We kneel on cushions in front of the communion rail around the altar. The pastor will give you a wafer, then a lay server will bring a wine chalice. Dip your wafer into the wine or touch the wafer to the side of the chalice; many people say “Amen” after this. Follow the direction of the ushers to approach the altar.

Lutheran RoseMore about Communion