Jesus declares, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5
Sacraments: Baptism & Holy CommunionA sacrament is a gift given to us from God. We practice two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) as these were the only ones commanded by Christ himself. A Sacrament contains three parts:
In Baptism we hear the promises of God; we see the water, the people gathered, and the baptismal washing; we feel the wetness of the water and the hands that bless us or we touch the person being baptized as we lay hands on them to bless them; we smell the anointing oil as a finger traces the sign of the cross on our forehead. In Holy Communion, we hear the words of Jesus; we see the bread and wine as well as our neighbor; we touch the elements and hold them, maybe touching the hand of the person serving us or rubbing shoulders with the person beside us; we smell and taste the bread and wine. |
Peter proclaims, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39 |
BaptismGod has chosen you. He calls you by name and claims you as his very own. Through baptism you are given a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit and become a child of our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. Baptism marks the beginning of your calling to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Every day, remember your baptism and live in the confidence of God’s promises! Baptism makes all the difference!
Baptism works forgiveness of sins, delivers us from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe (John 3:3-5; Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:28-39). It is not the water that does this, but the Word of God and faith, which trusts God’s promises. If you would like to be baptized or if you have a child to be baptized, please complete this Baptism Information Form today! Holy Communion (Lord's Supper)In the Lord’s Supper, we believe and confess that Jesus is truly present in the bread and the wine—”this is my body; this is my blood.” Jesus gives us his very self. Whoever trusts these words also receives the forgiveness of sins. Hear the words of Christ, “Given, and shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Where there is forgiveness, there is also life and salvation (John 3:16-18).
Children may receive Holy Communion at any age at their parents’ discretion. Pastor teaches a class about Holy Communion for 5th grade youth in the Spring. Click here to check out the Children & Youth page. |
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.' |
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