11/30/07

Parish Practice

Worship Services-Without question we can worship our Lord in private, but only then within the limits of our own knowledge of how to properly approach Him. It is in the worship service that the Pastor publicly acts as a shepherd in leading the congregation in its approach to God. It is in the worship service that we have the assurance of Christ's presence for He said "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." There are benefits in the common service which cannot be attained otherwise, such as the strengthening from the Holy Sacraments; hearing the truth of God from His Word and the sermons regularly; and the joy of spiritual fellowship. Those who do not avail themselves of these benefits are spiritually dead, for they are ceasing to grow in their faith, Just as we regularly feed our bodies for a healthy physical life, we must also regularly feed our souls. As the body becomes ill because of lack of nourishment, so does the soul. Attending church services only once or twice a year is an indication of a sick soul. If obligated to work on Sunday morning, the Christian should strive to render his prayer, praise and thanksgiving to God by family or private worship later in the day. God expects this much of us as indicated by His command, "Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy."

Bible Study- So often we tend to neglect our spiritual growth. Question arise in our minds concerning our faith and the Bible which confuse us, and not knowing the answers, we may come to wrong conclusions. In our Bible Study we have an excellent opportunity to discuss questions of our Faith and be strengthened in our attachment to Christ.

Sunday School-Children may be enrolled after they have passed their third birthday. Classes are provided to meet the needs of all ages.

Baptism-is one of the two Sacraments commanded by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lutheran Church, together with most Christians of the world, believe that the grace of God is freely given to man without any human merit or achievement on the part of man. Otherwise salvation would rest upon something within us other than upon God. Therefore, we believe that God's grace may rest upon a child as well as an adult through baptism. Sponsors or godparents, though not necessary, are highly recommended by the Church. They make promises to God and before the congregation to assist the parents in the spiritual obligations to the child, and should anything prevent the parents from fulfilling their spiritual obligations to the child, the sponsors accept the responsibility. Sponsors ought, therefore, to be active members of a Christian church and sincere in their new responsibilities. Baptism of infants and adults is a sacrament of the church and should be administered preferably in the Church. To make arrangements for baptism, the Pastor should always be called at least one week before the date of baptism.

Holy Communion-is a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of his betrayal and was commanded for our observance in remembrance of His suffering and death. The Lord's supper is received only after we penitently confess our sins to God and strive to better our lives. This may be done during the communion service or privately to the Pastor before taking communion. We then come to the table to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ "in, with and under" the bread and wine of the sacrament. The Lord's supper is administered at St Peter every Sunday morning. Members should receive the sacrament often, as our Lord has said, "This do ye often, in remembrance of Me." To despise the sacrament by continual neglect is to deprive one's self of the spiritual nourishment which is promised through the sacrament.

Private Communion-will be administered at the request of the member of the Church, in his home or at the hospital. Arrangements should be made with the Pastor.

Counseling-There is much power in the Christian faith to help us in our difficulties. We may, however, need guidance to know how to lay hold on this power and find our answers. The Pastor is available for such counseling in the privacy of the Church office. Call him at any time for an appointment.

Confirmation-though not a sacrament, is a sacred rite in the Lutheran Church. When the child begins the 7th grade he is invited to enroll in a two-year course of study, taught by the Pastor. After satisfactorily completing his catechetical instruction, being thus trained in the beliefs of the church, through the Rite of Confirmation, he is given formal recognition that he has reached a degree of spiritual maturity whereby he can assume the  responsibility of his own spiritual growth, and as a child of God, share in all the spiritual privileges of the Church and its temporal responsibilities.

Membership-Non-Lutherans who wish to become members of St. Peter are invited to attend discussion classes with the Pastor. At these classes the Pastor reviews with the group the primary doctrines of the Christian Church and the particular emphasis of the Lutheran Church. On completion of this course, new members are confirmed and received into the congregation.

Transfers-Members in good standing in other Lutheran congregations who wish to affiliate with the St. Peter congregation may be received into membership by a letter of transfer.

Renewal of Faith-Lapsed members of St. Peter or of other Lutheran congregations may regain active status at St. Peter by showing evidence of a renewal of faith. They are reinstated by action of the voters.

Stewardship-Some measure of the quality of our faith and commitment is reflected in the care and use of those gifts God has entrusted to us of time, talent and treasure. As we and all things are created by God, all things belong to God and we are but stewards to whom He has entrusted the care of His possessions. Created in His image we share creation with Him. As such, it is our responsibility to care for His Kingdom on earth by regularly using a portion of the time talent and treasure He has given us in the work of His Kingdom. We do this through the use of our time and talents in such activities as the church choir, membership in various church organizations and participation in the direction of the activities of the church. We give of our entrusted treasure for the expenses of the operation of our church and for the extension of God's Kingdom through the world in proportion as God has blessed us.

Weddings-a marriage is a holy estate ordained by God and, therefore, should be solemnized is the Church. If at all possible, the Pastor should be notified several months in advance of the wedding date. in each case, the Pastor desires several interviews with the couple. Most couples need and will appreciate this opportunity for pre-marital counseling, recognizing that the stronger the foundation of the marriage, the more happy and God-pleasing it will be. The Pastor will also help the couple in selecting appropriate solos and advise them in the practices of the church relative to floral decorations, candles and photography.

Funerals-Only members of the Church can be buried from the Church. The Pastor should always be called before final arrangements are made for a funeral, whether it be held in the Church or the funeral home. In this way no conflicts will occur.

Visiting the Sick-It is the desire of the Pastor to visit the sick of the parish regularly. Please do the courtesy of informing the Pastor when a loved one becomes ill.