At Reformation, we recognize and celebrate significant points in the faith lives of our members. Our celebration of the Sacraments is central to marking our lives together as Christians and through the gifts of Baptism and Holy Communion we are able to experience God’s grace more fully. At other points in our lives, it is essential to mark important milestones. Our Bible presentations, Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation), and recognition of our high school graduates allow us to celebrate what God is doing in the lives of our members and to support them as a community of believers.
If you wish to discuss any of these further, or if you desire to begin preparation for any of these Stepping Stones, please contact the church office to speak with one of the pastors.
At Reformation we also mark and celebrate life passages together. More information about healing rites, blessings and commissionings, marriages and funerals can be found here.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is a Sacrament, a means of God’s grace, in which God gives us new birth, adopts us as God’s children, and makes us members of the body of Christ. Candidates for Baptism are of all ages and all have Baptismal Sponsors who take responsibility for supporting and nurturing the faith development of the baptismal candidate. Baptisms are celebrated as part of our regular worship services and several “Baptismal Festivals” are scheduled throughout the church year to highlight the centrality of Baptism to our faith.
First Communion
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is where Christ invites us to know God’s forgiveness and nourishes us for mission through his own body and blood. Those who prepare to receive their first Holy Communion take part in instruction at the desire of their parents. This can be at any age and at any time of the year. Instruction is done with families with a take home curriculum. Additional first communion details here. Those who are interested in having their child receive their first communion should speak with Pastor Alina for more information.
Bible Presentations
Each spring, our congregation joyfully gifts all of our second graders with their own copy of the Bible. This gift from their family of faith gives them another way to hear God’s word in their own lives and find the wonderful gift of God’s love written on the pages. These presentations take place during worship each spring.
Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)
Our confirmation program engages our seventh and eighth grade students in purposeful study of our tradition and participation in the life of the congregation. Through regular worship, class work, service projects, and fellowship events the students prepare for their Affirmation of Baptism, which the congregation celebrates annually each October. At this service, our ninth grade students, who also plan and lead the service, affirm the promises made on their behalf at their baptisms.
Confirmation Mentor Program – As our confirmation students are preparing to affirm the promises made on their behalf at their baptisms, we recognize that this is a vital time in their faith development. Through this recently-developed mentor program, we are able to add an additional element of purposeful relationship with an adult member of the congregation. These relationships offer an opportunity for our youth to see faithful adults who live out their calls from God in many different and wonderful ways and give our youth a way to see their own lives fitting into this community.
High School Graduate Recognition
At the end of each school year, the congregation recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of our members who are completing their high school studies. In addition to being able to mark this exciting time in the lives of our young members, they are able to share with the congregation their future plans, and receive a gift from the congregation.