Baptism and Confirmation

But now thus says the Lord,

he who created you, O Jacob,

he who formed you, O Israel:

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.  Isaiah 43:1

Splash in the waters of God’s grace!

Every journey has a beginning. But here’s one that never ends- God’s love, salvation and eternal life freely given to us in the waters of baptism.  As the seal of God’s forever promise, we are anointed with the sign of the cross. We receive a new identity and a new life, shaped by that cross: lives now marked with the forgiveness, love, sacrifice, healing, hope and resurrected life that come from Jesus. From our baptism on, “nothing can separate us from God’s love for us”.  Romans 8

God’s promise is followed by our promise, spoken out of gratitude and joy, given with devotion and commitment:

To live among God's faithful people, come to hear God’s word for you, be nourished at the Lord’s supper, learn all that God has to teach you, nurture and encourage each other in faith and prayer, tell others about Jesus and back your words up with true actions, care for God’s creation, and work for justice and peace for all people. 

We baptize people of all ages. For children and youth, parents promise to help their children grow in faith and service, teach them all that Jesus said, and actively participate in this community of faith. The sooner the better! God wants us to live everyday knowing how much we are loved, and the life God desires to give us.

Youth in grades 7-9 prepare to affirm the promises made at their baptism. While parents and home life are the source of greatest teaching and impact, we also form a community around our youth to mentor and teach, to affirm and help them grow. We study the Lord’s Prayer, Apostles Creed and Ten Commandments, using Luther’s Small Catechism, and apply it to school life, friendships, family and serving others.

Youth are confirmed in the fall of 10^th grade, the weekend of the Reformation Festival.

From the day you are baptized, you’ll live your life splashing in the waters of God’s grace! Those who desire baptism and seek to actively join this community of faith where you can grow and serve God, contact: Pastor Chiles