Baptism & Holy Communion

Lutherans use the term "sacrament" to describe two parts of Christian life and worship where an earthly element or sign is linked with God’s promise and Christ’s directive. The New Testament tells us that Jesus Christ commanded Baptism and Holy Communion. For Lutherans, these are rituals of worship but each also shapes broader understanding and daily living. We believe both Baptism and Communion are "means of grace" - that God comes to us and graces us through the ordinary elements of water, bread and wine, along with God's word.



Baptism

In the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, water and God’s promises connect the one who is baptized with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This sacrament is an outward sign of our salvation and God’s unbreakable promise to us of forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ. Holy Baptism marks the entrance into the Christian community, the Church, and gathers the community together as children of God joined by their connection to Christ. Baptism is once and for all, and it is for people of any age. The Lutheran church baptizes infants because we believe that baptism is God’s gracious action, not ours. 


In the rite of Holy Baptism, the one who is baptized is immersed in a pool of water or water is poured over his or her head as the pastor recites the name of the Triune God, “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” as Christ commanded (Matthew 28:19). The pastor lays hands on the head of the newly baptized and prays for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Other signs that signify a connection to Christ may be given during the rite according to the community’s tradition and history. These may include making the sign of a cross on the forehead, anointing with oil, dressing in a white garment, and lighting a candle.  


At CtK

If you would like to be baptized, or have your child baptized, please contact the church office to arrange conversation with one of the pastors. Please schedule baptisms with the church office before making travel arrangements with family.


After you have contacted the church office, visited with the pastors about your baptism, please print the form below, fill it in and mail or email to the church office.


BAPTISM INFORMATION FORM



Holy Communion

In the Sacrament of Holy Communion, after hearing and experiencing the good news of Jesus Christ in word, prayer and song, the community receives bread and wine. They experience the tangible presence of Christ by eating and drinking these elements. 


The outward signs of the sacrament are simple earthly elements: bread and wine. Yet, together with the spoken promise of God these elements convey the presence of Jesus Christ to the assembly of believers. Martin Luther said that Jesus is present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. We believe this because Jesus says it is so (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20) even when we cannot fully explain how it happens. 


The presence of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion is a great treasure that is received in faith. In the eating and drinking of bread and wine, we experience love, forgiveness and life of Christ is ours. In the sacrament, Christ takes on our sin while we take on Christ’s righteousness. The sacrament’s emphasis is on God’s action rather than the strength of our faith. 


At CtK

Understanding the invitation to participate in the meal comes from our Lord, here at Christ the King Lutheran Church we have an "open table," which means all are welcome to share in the Lord's Supper. We use unleavened bread and have gluten free wafers available for those with dietary restrictions. We use red wine, and white grape juice is also available. Instruction about Holy Communion is available throughout a person's life. Parents are encouraged to bring their children for conversation with a pastor when they discern a child is ready to receive the sacrament. We offer annual Communion instruction for all ages during the season of Lent, as well as during confirmation and during adult learning opportunities.