Sacraments & Milestones
Lutherans believe in the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy communion, but we also recognize other meaningful milestones in our Christian life and seek to celebrate them together as God's family.
If you are interested in one of the following opportunities, please contact the church office at lwlclinolakes@gmail.com or call (651) 481-0220.
We believe that baptism is a sacrament in which God acts to forgive sin, adopt us as children, and unite us with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a means of grace, not just a symbol, and is given once for all time. We baptize people of all ages, including infants, emphasizing that baptism is God’s initiative, not based on our understanding or decision. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith, calling us to daily renewal and service. It also incorporates us into the body of Christ—the Church—and is recognized across Christian traditions that baptize in the name of the Trinity.
If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized, our pastor will meet with you to help you understand what it means to be washed in the waters of forgiveness. Baptisms take place during the Sunday morning worship service.
All who desire to receive the gifts of grace, forgiveness and new life are welcome to come to the Lord’s Table. Jesus invites ALL of us to be fed and nourished so that we can bear God's love into the world.
We believe that Holy Communion is a sacrament in which Jesus Christ is truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine. It is a means of grace through which God offers forgiveness, life, and salvation. We practice an open table, welcoming all baptized Christians who believe in Christ’s presence in the meal. Communion is seen as a communal act of faith and is ideally celebrated weekly, using homemade bread, wine and grape juice. We also have glutten free wafers available. Rooted in Lutheran confessions, Holy Communion is a central part of worship that unites believers with Christ and one another.
First Communion instruction is held annually, usually leading into Holy Week and is open to everyone first grade and older and a parent or guardian.
Though not considered a Sacrament in the Lutheran faith, Affirmation of Baptism is a time honored tradition, and an important step in a person’s faith journey.
At Living Waters, the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism is celebrated in the Fall in conjunction with Reformation Sunday following two years of instruction. At Confirmation, we are asked to make a statement of faith which is a promise to strive to follow Jesus and trust in God's love.
We see weddings as an opportunity for worship where two people publicly commit to a lifelong relationship of love and faithfulness before God, the church, and their community. The ceremony centers on God’s blessing of the couple’s union and often includes Scripture, prayers, music, and may include Holy Communion. Marriage as a vocation grounded in mutual love and responsibility.
One of the greatest acts of Christian service we can offer is the love and compassion of hosting a funeral service for you or your loved one. In consultation with the pastor, a worship service will be created to reflect the one who has died along with God's promises of love for those grieving.
In addition to the funeral/memorial service, Living Waters can also host a time of fellowship and food, ranging from desserts and coffee to a light meal. Meals will need to be catered.