Holy Baptism:
Holy Baptism is one of two sacraments that the Lutheran Church holds as key pillars of our faith. Baptism is a gift from God that welcomes us into the body of Christ (the faith community). It is commanded to us by Jesus, in the last chapter of the Gospel of Matthew: Go therefore into all the world and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.1
This is done through water and the Word of God.
As Lutherans we understand as the Apostle Paul write’s in the Letter to Romans, chapter 6: We are buried with Christ by Baptism into death, that, like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we are raised into newness of life.2
It is a sacrament that the Pastor presides over during worship asking either parents/sponsors/guardians to make promises on behalf of a child or directly to those able to answer for themselves.
to live with them among God’s faithful people,
bring them to the word of God and the holy supper,
teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments,
place in their hands the holy scriptures,
and nurture them in faith and prayer,
so that your children may learn to trust God,
proclaim Christ through word and deed,
care for others and the world God made,
and work for justice and peace.
Do you promise to help your children grow in the Christian faith and life?
Lutherans generally use a small amount of water placed on the head of the recipient three times along with Scripture and Prayers being said.
If you are interested in more information, please see Pastor or reach out to the church office.
- Source: https://bookofconcord.org/small-catechism/the-sacrament-of-holy-baptism/#sc-baptism-%!d(string=002b) ↩︎
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship (service book) ↩︎
Holy Communion:
The Service of Holy Communion is central to our worship as it is one of our two Sacraments in the Lutheran Church. In this meal (bread and wine) we believe that Jesus is truly present and that with the Word through bread and wine we are forgiven of our sins and nourished to carry on the ministry Jesus calls each of us to do.
This meal is a reflection back to the Last Supper Jesus had with his disciples before he was crucified, died, and was buried. As both a gift of our forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ actions on the cross and as a celebration of his Resurrection on Easter morning, concurring death and sin for all humanity.
We use either wafers or bread (gluten free option available), wine and grape juice.
We have an open table, which means; All Are Welcome to come and participate in this meal/sacrament no matter what faith you have or don’t have. Lutherans believe in the ‘means of grace’ and that communion and its meaning are a gift that is between God and each person. Martin Luther said it best when he wrote “who am I to deny anyone who comes begging for Jesus?”, hence we will never deny anyone communion.
We understand that we must come with a clean heart, that is free of malice or ill intent offering the Passing of the Peace prior to Communion to make those reconciliations.
If you would like more information, please see Pastor, or reach out to the office.
Weddings:
Weddings are scheduled through the Pastor. Couples are expected to contact the office at least six months in advance of the proposed wedding date. There are fees for musicians, building usage depending on the extend of your needs and an honorarium is given to the pastor when held at the main worship space.
If you have another venue for your wedding the pastor’s fees will include travel expenses and honorarium.
If you would like more information, please see Pastor, or reach out to the office.
Funerals:
Funerals are rites of the church and are considered a worship service. These services are held in funeral homes or in the worship space. Pastoral care and support are offered to the bereaved.
If you are working through a Funeral home most expenses are billed directly through their services. If you are chose to not have them involved there are fees that need to be paid directly to the church prior to the service. Which may include the following:
-food for gathering
-Musician fees (a minimum of $150 depending on music choices)
-Pastor fee (a minimum of $200)
-Separate graveside service outside of worship service (travel expenses for pastor)
If you would like more information, please see Pastor, or reach out to the office.
Individual Confession & Forgiveness:
Lutherans have long held that both individual and corporate confession are vital to the health of our spiritual growth and wellbeing. Generally, we include corporate confession and forgiveness each Sunday in our worship together. This is key to coming to Holy Communion with a clean conscience and free from malice.
Individual confession is held with the pastor and is used as a time for reflection and intentional conversation in search of healing and forgiveness.
If you would like more information, please see Pastor, or reach out to the office.
Pastoral Care:
Pastoral care is offered by the pastor and members of our faith community. For a pastoral visits either in your home or hospital* please reach out and let us know you desire a visit.
*Hospitals no longer tell pastors about members that are in their care. Most hospitals have Spiritual Care offices that you can also contact and they can visit you as well as reach out and let your pastor know you would like a visit.
Other:
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact the church office at (904) 744-5333 or by e-mail at info@stmatthewsjax.org