Central to our worship life is the presence of God through word and sacrament. The word proclaimed and the sacraments —both Holy Baptism and Holy Communion — are called the means of grace. We believe that Jesus Christ is present in these means through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we describe worship as a “gathering around the means of grace.” (From elca.org)
Holy Baptism
Through water and the word, the baptized person receives a lifelong connection to Christ’s death & resurrection with the promise of new life. The baptized is welcomed into the family of God in the church, and Grace congregation is an active partner with families to engage in faith.
Details
- Baptism is for any age, but baptism of infants and children is helpful so that we may surround your child with support and prayer while growing in faith.
- Fill out a Baptism Information form and return it to the office. For children and youth, Cassady Grabow-Hohensee our Director of Children’s Ministries and Pastor Julie will set up a meeting to meet with you about the baptism. Adults will be contacted by Pastor Julie.
- Schedule a worship time to have the baptism. The congregation is an important witness to the baptism so we begin the worship with the baptism rite. If this is not possible, we may be able to schedule an individual time outside of the worship.
- For children, choose baptism sponsors who will help to raise your child in faith.
- Invite your family and friends to be a part of the worship and baptism. We enjoy welcoming people to the family of God and this special milestone in a person’s life. We will reserve seats for families and friends near the baptismal font.
Holy Communion
Jesus said that his body and blood are given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins. When we receive the bread and wine with Jesus’ words of promise, we receive forgiveness in a way that we can see, touch and taste.
Details
- Grace celebrates First Communion as a milestone for 5th graders. Younger students can receive communion earlier if their student expresses that desire.
- A preparation class or individual preparation is given so that the youth will understand the special gift given to us from Jesus in The Lord’s Supper. See Patti Gaedtke, our Director of Children’s Ministries or Pastor Julie for more info.
- Special parts of this preparation include making the communion bread, decorating a special cup and having a Seder Meal to help us understand the importance of your First Communion and this meal shared over time with generations of believers.
- First Communion is a special event in your student’s life and we welcome you to invite family and friends to share this special worship day. All guests are welcome to commune with us who believe in the forgiveness of sin in Jesus’ body and blood of this sacrament. Younger children may come up for a blessing.