Christian Education

Christian Formation
at
Grace Lutheran Church

We use the words "Christian Formation" to describe our deliberate efforts to understand the reality of our place in God's Kingdom. God does not just "make" Christians. By the power of the Holy Spirit, working through earthly means like languages and relationships, sacraments and scripture stories, we believe that God forms us as Christians throughout our lives.

Baptism and Holy Communion The primary ways we experience the grace of God's promises come through the gatherings and celebrations of our community. The weekly celebration of Word and Sacrament forms us through Sundays and seasons, scripture and preaching, confession and forgiveness, prayer and thanksgiving, supper and song. In fact, most of what we mean by "formation" happens in the weekly rhythms of worship together, in the same way that so many of our habits help to form who we are. We call our worship "the liturgy" a word that means "the work of the people," to remind ourselves of our calling to be faithful in our gathering.

Those intrigued by the Christian community, and the Lord we worship and serve, may want to join with us. Through the sacrament of Holy Baptism, God begins the process of Christian formation for each person by a washing in water that dramatizes the cleansing power of his promised forgiveness, and the death and resurrection to which we are called as Jesus' disciples. Christian families may present their young children for Baptism. Those children grow through the life of the church until they are ready to make their own Affirmation of Baptism - Confirmation - after a time of preparation. Adults normally prepare for Baptism by undergoing a time of instruction with the Pastors. Baptisms are celebrated at liturgies throughout the year, except during Lent.

The sacrament of Holy Communion is offered to all the baptized people of God. First Communion classes help to prepare young children to understand their participation in age-appropriate ways, and are offered at least twice a year, or as prompted by parental requests. If you have questions, speak to one of the pastors.

Christian Learning We are called to love the Lord with our heart and soul and mind, so it is natural that part of our formation as Christian disciples takes place through study and learning.
Classes are offered beginning with Nursery age children and continuing for all age groups. We explore a wide variety of topics: books of the Bible, current events, spirituality, parenting, music, introductory classes for new members, and many others.

Preparation for Affirmation of Baptism - Confirmation At middle school age, young members of Grace are invited to begin preparation for confirmation, the process by which they make a transition from being children to young adults in the life of the congregation. Each student develops a relationship with a mentor, a mature member of the congregation who will encourage, guide, and assist the student. Each young person is expected to regularly attend worship, both Sunday and Wednesday classes, all retreats, and field trips, and participate in the liturgy serving at the altar as an acolyte. First year students are responsible for a service project. Second year students are responsible for a research or creative project to be presented during the Sunday morning prior to the actual Affirmation of Baptism. The rite of Confirmation is scheduled for the Feast of Pentecost each year.

Discipleship The ongoing process by which all members of the assembly live out their faith daily is unique for each person. In our affirmation of our baptism, we say "yes" to this life of discipleship. Our life of following Jesus begins in the gatherings of the congregation, in which we are formed as Christians to go out into the world as God's people, ready to serve and give witness to the world through our words and deeds to God's love in Jesus Christ. Grace has many, many opportunities to serve together. Come and be formed!

Finally, we recommend the following resources to strengthen your Christian Formation.

Grace Lutheran Church Library
Available every Sunday AM and weekdays upon request.

The Parish Resource Center
633 Community Way
Lancaster, PA
Phone: 299-1113
Hrs: Mon.-Wed., 9 AM-9 PM
Thurs & Fri., 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

	Grace Lutheran Church *Worshipping with the Saints -- Seeing Christ in others* Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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Grace Lutheran Church 517 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 397 2748