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Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 1
TTThhheee MMMeeesssssseeennngggeeerrr ooofff GGGrrraaaccceee June 2018 Vol 19 Issue 6
Immer Auf Wiedersehen!
We will begin and end the month of June with baptisms (and the Day of St. John Baptist on the last
Sunday at that!), so it had occurred to me to write something about Holy Baptism together with the
companions on Baptism to the materials I included in last month’s messenger on Holy Communion
from the Small Catechism and from The Use of the Means of Grace. It was also suggested to me that
having just laid to rest one of our members and observed Memorial Day, I might write something that
addressed our hope of eternal life. This, of course, is where the Apostles’ Creed so central to our rite
for baptism, concludes “I believe in … the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting” and
is given as God’s purpose for the life and death of Jesus for our sake, as we heard in the Gospel
for Trinity Sunday: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who
believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” [John 3:16]
So it was rather serendipitous that I read the passage below from the 19th century novel, The Cloister
and the Hearth. It is an adventure-romance that I have found to be a gem filled with several memora-
ble scenes. It is quite readable despite many archaic words, not to mention bits of French and Latin
here and there. Set in the 15th century there comes a time when a confession between a penitent and
priest effect a reconciliation between two persons whose relationship had ended badly. Now recon-
ciled they are about to go their separate ways. Their parting prompts a wonderful speech about the
promise of eternal life in Christ, given in baptism, renewed in repentance, and awaiting us in the resur-
rection.
"Adieu," faltered the princess. "Adieu, thou that I have loved too well, hated too ill, known and revered too late; forgiving angel, adieu—forever."
The monk caught her words, though but faltered in a sigh.
"Forever?" he cried aloud, with sudden ardour. "Christians live 'forever,' and love 'forever,' but they never part 'forever. They part, as part the earth and sun, to meet more brightly in a little while. You and I part here for life. And what is our life? One line in the great story of the Church, whose son and daughter we are; one handful in the sand of time, one drop in the ocean of 'Forever.' Adieu—for the little moment called 'a life!' We part in trouble, we shall meet in peace: we part creatures of clay, we shall meet immortal spirits: we part in a world of sin and sorrow, we shall meet where all is purity and love divine; where no ill passions are, but Christ is, and His saints around Him clad in white. There, in the turning of an hour-glass, in the breaking of a bubble, in the passing of a cloud, she, and thou, and I, shall meet again; and sit at the feet of angels and archangels, apostles and saints, and beam like them with joy unspeakable, in the light of the shadow of God upon His throne, FOREVER—AND EVER—AND EVER.”
[Charles Reade, The Cloister and the Hearth, pp. 605-606.]
Amen! Wherever we go, whatever we do, in Christ, we are bound to each other, here and in the life to
come. Never goodbye but always until we see each other again.
The Rev. James G. Krauser, Pastor
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 2
GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Telephone/Fax: (516) 785-5029 Parsonage: (516) 804-8837
Preschool: (516) 409-5188 Webpage: www.gracelutheranbellmore.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Church Staff Pastor The Rev. James G. Krauser Preschool Director Mrs. Karin Trabold
Church Secretary Ms. Kathy Pellechia PreSchool Teachers: Mrs. Doris Ansalone
Organist Mr. Den Collins Mrs. Jean Blom, Mrs. Jennifer Callery
Ms. Lisa Donleavy, Mrs. Shannon Holz
Mrs. Ellyn Mantello
Congregation Council Jim Batcher ('19) Laura Hackel (’20) Terry Freyvogel (’21)
Don Field (‘19) Kathy Pellechia (’20) Scott Greifenberger (’21
Diane McDermott ('19) Jim Schwarz (‘20) Paul Saueracker (’21)
Craig Preattle (’19) Alison Tomasulo (’20) Vacancy
Rev. James G. Krauser, Pastor
Women of the ELCA
Our spring luncheon will be on Tuesday June 12th at the Villa D’ Aqua restaurant. Please meet in the
parking lot @ 12:15 for car pooling. Please let me know if you plan to attend. Tel: 516-781-8960.
The annual summer Eastern Nassau WELCA picnic is being planned, date to be announced. It will be
held at St. Francis Episcopal Church here in North Bellmore.
Have a happy, safe summer to ALL!
Peace and love,
Doris Maksimchak
From one of our neighboring Women of the ELCA groups
I am writing from St. Luke's Farmingdale. We are interested in joining the Youth Over Guns Women's
March on June 2 at 12. The March is to oppose gun violence and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. We
were hoping to join other WELCA groups and march under one banner. Are any of you marching or
want to participate with us? Please let me know [[email protected]].
God Bless and God protect our children,
Elizabeth Gardiner, Sec. WELCA St. Luke's.
Reminder: Our 9:30am Sunday Worship Schedule begins on June 10th
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 3
Bible Study This Bible Study provides a tour through the upcoming Sunday Gospel Read-
ings. We meet at the parsonage [2307 Fowler St.] on Thursday, June 21st. We
begin at 10:00am. Coffee, tea and (of course) bagels will be served. Please call
the church office (785-5029) to let us know you will attend.
Gold Award Project Update Hi everyone,
This June I will receive my Girl Scout Gold Award! I wanted to take this oppor-
tunity to thank everyone who has helped me throughout my entire project. I was
able to donate over 400 books to the Book Fairies as a result of everyone's gen-
erous donations. I also wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking down
the book donation box at the end of June, so if anyone has more books they
should bring them in before then. Additionally, I hope everyone who purchased a cookbook is enjoying it.
All the recipes I have tried were wonderful and I really appreciate everyone's submissions. The money I
raised from the sales went to running events at local libraries and purchasing books to give to the children's
ward at South Nassau Community Hospital. Everyone's support has helped me make the project successful
and I am so grateful!
Sincerely,
Allison Trabold
First Communions Received We had seven children make their First Communion on Pentecost Sunday, May 20 at
the 10:00am service. They were Madison Avery Digilio, Shayla Emma Hanley, Olivia
Christine Henry, Gavin Christopher Herzog, Patrick Levi Hofmann, Colin Ray Jenks,
and Isabella Antoinette Matz. Thank you to Kristin Schwarz for preparing and guiding
them.
June Baptisms This month four children will be joined to Christ in Holy Baptism. Sophia Lahn on June 3rd and three
others, Damien Hudik, Samantha Mattera, and Connor Meagher on June 24th, the commemoration of
St. John the Baptist.
Memorials Recent donations have been received in memory of:
Steven Zweck by MaryJane Erickson by Bob Schwab by William Menche by
Eileen Callery Nancy Gutheil Dan McNamee Doris & Andy Maksimchak
Don & Maryellen Field Doug & Chris MacLeod
Terry & Frank Freyvogel* Doris & Andy Maksimchak
Nancy Gutheil* C. Preattle & K. Pellechia
Doris & Andy Maksimchak Paul & Nancy Saueracker
Ruth & Bob Maraglio*
Dan McNamee
C. Preattle & K. Pellechia
Evelyn Steinert
Karin & Mike Trabold *Designated for Property Improvement
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 4
June Birthdays & Anniversaries
June 1st Victoria Pacheco
June 2nd Kirsten Blom
June 4th Betsy MacLeod
June 5th Tyler Erik Deutermann
June 6th Gillian McDermott
June 8th Anthony Pacheco
June 9th Christl Brauchler, Jenna Mollura.
June 10th Helen Kofod
June 11th Thomas Bailey, Emily Mignone. Warren Vandewater
June 12th Kaitlin McManus
June 13th Kirin Elizabeth Lennon, Nancy Ruisi, Katherine Tymecki
June 14th Elizabeth Borger, Jon Genna, Caroline Gunder
June 16th Rachel Ninesling, Shayla Hanley
June 17th Erik Gutheil
June 18th Angelina Williams-Steinmetz, Jack Arthur Deutermann
June 21st Shay Marie Genna
June 23rd Dianna Molenko
June 24th Dean Blom, Amanda Fucci
June 25th Jean & Dean Blom, Marilynn & Art Brunelle
June 26th Nancy & Paul Saueracker
June 28th Jessica Harris, Jamie Lynn McEnaney
June 30th Michael Pasquarelli, Olivia Meahger
A belated Happy Birthday to Scott Greifenberger (May 27th).
If you notice an incorrect birthday or anniversary or one that is omitted please notify the church office.
Grace Book Club
Our April 25 meeting was hosted by Eileen Callery. The historical novel for discussion was A Piece of
the World by Christina Baker Kline, the New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train which our
members have also read.
A Piece of the World is a story of friendship, passion and art, inspired by the artist Andrew Wyeth’s fa-
mous painting, Christina’s World.
To Christina Olson, her entire world is her family farm in the small coastal town of Cushing, Maine. She
is the only girl in a family of sons, tied to her home by poor health and circumstance, and seems destined
for a small farm life. Little did she know that she would become Andrew Wyeth’s first great inspiration,
and the subject of one of the best-known paintings of the twentieth century.
The author has interweaved facts and fiction to reimagine a real moment in
history. A Piece of the World is the powerful story of the woman behind the
portrait, her complicated relationship to her family and inheritance, and how
artist and muse can come together to forge a new and timeless legacy.
All members enjoyed this book and without hesitation recommend it as an enjoyable read.
Our next book is a quirky fiction selection, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. And lastly, our sea-
son end book club dinner meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 27th at 7:30 pm at Diane LaLena’s
home.
Nancy Gutheil
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 5
Reminder: Our 9:30am Sunday Worship Schedule begins on June 10th
Yard Sale
Grace is holding another Yard Sale
Saturday, June 9th
9:00am to 4:00pm
Rain date: Saturday, June 23rd
This is your opportunity to clean out your attic,
garage and basement and support Grace.
Items may be brought to the church beginning
Memorial Day weekend.
Watch for more info in the Sunday bulletin.
We will need volunteers to help price and organize on Thursday & Friday and for set up
and clean up on Saturday. See also the volunteer schedule for the sale in the narthex.
Please contact Don Field at [email protected] (516) 489-4779
with any questions and to volunteer.
More information and details will follow.
Remember Saturday, June 9th is the day!
Council Recognition Luncheon Our Congregation Council will host a luncheon recognizing several members for their many years of commitment
to Grace Church. On June 16th we will recognize Alice Etringer who for many years kept our communion record
log and helped collate mailings, we celebrate with Charlie Kerns his recent 98th birthday, Doris Maksimchak
who has led our WELCA group for many years and had played piano for our preschool, Andy Maksimchak for
his years of service when not even yet a member, Nancy Rupy who recently retired from our Altar Guild and
who also had been a mailing collator, and Betty Schwab for her work with the Fellowship Club and WELCA.
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 6
AA times indicate when they have use of the building; for their meeting schedule go to http://www.nassauny-aa.org/MtgList/n.html#NorthBellmore
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 7
Worship Servers Schedule
June 2018
Altar Guild Team 2
Acolytes should arrive 15 minutes early for instruction
Regular schedule:
Spoken Service at 9 AM.
Liturgy with Music at 10 AM. Sunday School at 10 AM.
DATE ASSISTING
MINISTER LECTOR USHERS ACOLYTES COUNTERS HOSTESS
Jun 3
10:00am Alan Hulsaver Debbie Pekoff
Don Field, Jon Gen-
na, Peter Horacek
Emma Henry,
Peter Horacek
Carl Erickson,
Laura Hackel Adele Hofmann
Jun 10
10:00am Maryellen Field Tracy Niedfeld
Harold Gundel,
Tracy Niedfeld
Melanie Hladky,
Jasmine Niedfeld
Joan Keville,
Warren Vande-
water
Chris MacLeod
Jun 17
9:30am Diane McDermott George McDermott
Scott Blom,
Dan McNamee,
Craig Preattle
Luke Ringnalda Karin Trabold,
Eric Mehlhaff Debbie Davis
Jun 24
9:30am Paul Saueracker Debbie Davis
Tom Berger,
Eric Mehlhaff,
Mike Trabold
Gavin Mehlhaff Terry Freyvogel,
Ruth Maraglio
Mary Greifen-
berger
July 1
9:30am Adele Hofmann Ray Hofmann
Debbie Davis,
Andy Maksimchak Isabel Maraglio
Carl Erickson,
Laura Hackel Diane LaLena
ACOLYTES: Mark Biesecker, Emma Henry, Melanie Hladky, Peter Horacek, Isabel Maraglio,
Jasmine Niedfeld, Gavin Mehlhaff, Luke Ringnalda,
ALTAR GUILD TEAMS Additional Team Members are needed!
Team # 1: Ruth Maraglio, Diane McDermott
Team # 2: Alison Tomasulo, Ann Seybold, Diane LaLena
Team # 3: Adele Hofmann, Terry Freyvogel, Kathy Kugler
Reminder: Our 9:30am Sunday Worship Schedule begins on June 10th
Weekly Altar Memorials A calendar for memorials is posted on the bulletin board opposite the church office.
Donations may be made for flowers, for the cost of the bread and wine, or for the sanctuary candle.
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 8
Financial Update – June 2018
Over the past three months we’ve outlined Grace’s Social Impact in 2017; the charitable works by the
congregation; a breakdown of Giving (Income) received by the Congregation; and why Regular Giving
is important to the financial health of the Church.
Financial Update: May 1st, 2018 May 1st, 2017
Regular Giving $38,775 $37,811
Total Income $63,117 $61,747
Expenses $62,780 $55,514
Surplus (deficit) $337 $6232
As you can see from above, our regular giving (white envelopes) and Total Income is up slightly from
last year, but so are our expenses. As summer months are typically slow in terms of Income, we do not
have a cushion to handle any in balance in income and expenses without going into deficit.
What can the Congregation do – not forget about the Church during the summer and still make
your regular contributions.
We do a lot of great things at Grace and the Congregation always responds for specific capital im-
provements or repair projects (AC Fund, Boiler Fund, Roofing Project), but we can improve on our reg-
ular weekly giving to balance our yearly budget . The past two years our Expenses (not counting the
special projects mentioned above) have been in the $200,000 range, while our giving has been in the
$184,000 range. These types of deficits are not sustainable.
Thank you to everyone for the contributions and if you have any questions, please reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Michael Trabold, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee
What’s Cooking
Here’s an easy summery variation on grilled chicken breast.
4 chicken breasts (tenders removed) Worcestershire sauce (dark or white)
4 slices prosciutto or Virginia ham Salt & Pepper
4 slices swiss cheese Fresh Pineapple slices
1. Flatten or lightly pound chicken breast (but not too thin!).
2. Place in a shallow dish or plate and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce; turn to coat.
3. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Let rest 15 min.
4. Grill on medium heat.* Turning ¼ turn on each side to make nice grill marks.
5. After last turn, layer ham and cheese on top of breast. Continue to cook until cheese is melted.
6. Serve with grilled pineapple slices.
*If it rains this can be done under the broiler or in a skillet.
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 9
Some Basics about Holy Baptism
Since this June we will be celebrating several baptisms, it seems an appropriate time to include portions of the
Small Catechism that teach about Holy Baptism and the section from “The Use of the Means of Grace” and
ELCA document that gives guidance and background about our practice of baptism.
From The Small Catechism as printed in Evangelical Lutheran Worship
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
I
What is baptism?
Baptism is not simply plain water. Instead, it is water used according to God's command and connected
with God's word.
What then is this word of God?
Where our Lord Christ says in Matthew 28, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
II
What gifts or benefits does baptism grant?
It brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all
who believe it, as the words and promise of God declare.
What are these words and promise of God?
Where our Lord Christ says in Mark 16, "The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the
one who does not believe will be condemned."
III
How can water do such great things?
Clearly the water does not do it, but the word of God, which is with and alongside the water, and faith,
which trusts this word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is plain water and not
a baptism, but with the word of God it is a baptism, that is, a grace-filled water of life and a "bath of the
new birth in the Holy Spirit," as St. Paul says to Titus in chapter 3, "through the water of rebirth and re-
newal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that,
having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The say-
ing is sure."
IV
What then is the significance of such a baptism with water?
It signifies that the old person in us with all sins and evil desires is
to be drowned and die through daily sorrow for sin and through re-
pentance, and on the other hand that daily a new person is to come
forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity for-
ever.
Where is this written?
St. Paul says in Romans 6, "We were buried with Christ through
baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of
life."
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 10
From The Use of the Means of Grace [1997]
Part II: Holy Baptism and the Christian Assembly
What is Baptism? Principle 14
In Holy Baptism the Triune God delivers us from the forces of evil, puts our sinful self to death, gives us
new birth, adopts us as children, and makes us members of the body of Christ, the Church. Holy Baptism
is received by faith alone. Background 14A
By water and the Word in Baptism, we are liberated from sin and death by being joined to the death
and resurrection of Jesus. In Baptism God seals us by the Holy Spirit and marks us with the cross of Christ
forever. Baptism inaugurates a life of discipleship in the death and resurrection of Christ. Baptism con-
forms us to the death and resurrection of Christ precisely so that we repent and receive forgiveness,
love our neighbors, suffer for the sake of the Gospel, and witness to Christ. Application 14B Baptism is for the sake of life in Christ and in the body of Christ, the Church. It also may be given to those
who are close to death, and is a strong word of promise in spite of death. Individuals are baptized, yet
this Baptism forms a community. It is for children. It is for adults. It is done once, yet it is for all of our life.
Jesus Christ has given Holy Baptism Principle 15
Baptism was given to the Church by Jesus Christ in the Great Commission, but also in his own baptism
by John and in the baptism of the cross. Background 15A One great source of the teaching and practice of the Church regarding Baptism is the Great Commis-
sion: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And
remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Background 15B
Other passages are also part of the biblical tradition of the origin and meaning of Baptism. Another
source is the account of Jesus’ own baptism at the River Jordan. While Jesus is the eternal Son of God,
all who are baptized into him are adopted as beloved children of God. With Jesus all the baptized are
anointed by the outpoured Spirit. Because of Jesus we are, through Baptism, gathered and included in
the life of the Triune God. Background 15C
In two places in the New Testament where Jesus speaks of his own baptism, he refers not to his being
washed in the Jordan River, but to his impending death. It is that death to which we are joined in Bap-
tism, according to the witness of Paul.
Baptism is once for all Principle 16
A person is baptized once. Because of the unfailing nature of God’s promise, and because of God’s
once-for-all action in Christ, Baptism is not repeated. Background 16A
Baptism is a sign and testimony of God’s grace, awakening and creating faith. The faith of the one be-
ing baptized “does not constitute Baptism but receives it. . . .” “Everything depends upon the Word and
commandment of God. . . .” Application 16B
Rebaptism is to be avoided since it causes doubt, focusing attention on the always-failing adequacy of
our action or our faith. Baptized persons who come to new depth of conviction in faith are invited to an
Affirmation of Baptism in the life of the congregation. Application 16C
There may be occasions when people are uncertain about whether or not they have been baptized.
Pastors, after supportive conversation and pastoral discernment, may choose to proceed with the bap-
tism. The practice of this church and its congregations needs to incorporate the person into the com-
munity and its ongoing catechesis and to proclaim the sure grace of God in Christ, avoiding any sense
of Baptism being repeated.
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 11
Baptism involves daily dying and rising Principle 17
By God’s gift and call, all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus are daily put to death so that
we might be raised daily to newness of life. Background 17A
Believers are at the same time sinners and justified. We experience bondage to sin from which we can-
not free ourselves and, at the same time, “rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” The baptismal life is
expressed each time the baptized confess their sins and receive forgiveness. “Repentance, therefore, is
nothing else than a return and approach to Baptism. . . .” Application 17B
There are many ways to encourage this daily dying to sin and being raised to live before God. They in-
clude confession and absolution, the reading of the Scriptures, preaching, the mutual comfort and con-
solation of the sisters and brothers, daily prayer and the sign of the cross, the remembrance of the cat-
echism, and the profession of the creed. Application 17C
Christians continue in the covenant God made with them in Baptism by participation in the community
of faith, by hearing the Word and receiving Christ’s Supper, by proclaiming the good news in word and
deed, and by striving for justice and peace in all the world.
Baptism is for all ages Principle 18
God, whose grace is for all, is the one who acts in Baptism. Therefore candidates for Baptism are of all
ages. Some are adults and older children who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declare their faith,
and desire Holy Baptism. Others are the young or infant children of active members of the congregation
or those children for whom members of the congregation assume sponsorship. Application 18A
Since ancient times, the Christian Church has baptized both infants and adults. Our times require great
seriousness about evangelization and readiness to welcome unbaptized adults to the reception of the
faith and to Baptism into Christ. Our children also need this sign and means of grace and its continued
power in their lives. In either case, Baptism is God’s gift of overwhelming grace. We baptize infants as if
they were adults, addressing them with questions, words, and promises that their parents, sponsors, and
congregation are to help them know and believe as they grow in years. We baptize adults as if they
were infants, washing them and clothing them with God’s love in Christ.
Baptism includes catechesis Principle 19
Baptism includes instruction and nurture in the faith for a life of discipleship. Application 19A
When infants and young children are baptized, the parents and sponsors receive instruction and the
children are taught throughout their development. With adults and older children, the baptismal candi-
dates themselves are given instruction and formation for faith and ministry in the world both prior to and
following their baptism. The instruction and formation of sponsors, parents, and candidates prior to Bap-
tism deals especially with faith in the triune God and with prayer. In the case of adults and older chil-
dren this period of instruction and formation is called the catechumenate. Occasional Services includes
an order for the enrollment of candidates for Baptism. Application 19B
The parish education of the congregation is part of its baptismal ministry. Indeed, all of the baptized re-
quire lifelong learning, the daily reappropriation of the wonderful gifts given in Baptism.
Sponsors assist those being baptized Principle 20
Both adults and infants benefit from having baptismal sponsors. The primary role of the sponsors is to
guide and accompany the candidates and, so far as possible, their families in the process of instruction
and Baptism. They help the baptized join in the life and work of the community of believers for the sake
of the world. Application 20A
Congregations are encouraged to select at least one sponsor from among the congregational mem-
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 12
bers for each candidate for Baptism. Additional sponsors who are involved in the faith and life of a
Christian community may also be selected by parents of the candidate or by the candidate. Choosing
and preparing sponsors requires thoughtful consideration and includes participation by pastors or other
congregational leaders. Background 20B
The sponsors of children are often called godparents. They may fulfill a variety of social roles in certain
cultures. The roles may be regarded as an elaboration of the central baptismal role they have under-
taken. Such sponsors take on a lifelong task to recall the gifts of Baptism in the life of their godchild. Background 20C
The sponsor provided by the congregation is, in the case of the baptism of an infant, especially con-
cerned to accompany the family as it prepares for Baptism and, as a mentor, to assist the integration of
the child into the community of faith as it grows in years. In the case of the baptism of an adult, this
sponsor accompanies the candidate throughout the catechumenate, in prayer and in mutual learning,
assisting the newly baptized adult to join in the ministry and mission of this community. Application 20D
The entire congregation prays for those preparing for Baptism, welcomes the newly baptized, and pro-
vides assistance to sponsors.
Baptism takes place in the assembly Principle 21
Candidates for Holy Baptism, sponsors, and an ordained minister called by the Church gather together
with the congregation for the celebration of Baptism within the corporate worship of the Church. Application 21A
When pastoral considerations require Baptism to take place outside of corporate worship, if at all possi-
ble representatives of the congregation gather for Baptism. In such a case a public announcement of
the baptism is made at the service the following Sunday.
Application 21B
Baptism may take place at varying points in the worship service. When the Baptism follows the Liturgy of
the Word, it helps to emphasize Baptism’s connection to the promise of the Gospel and faith in that
promise and leads the baptized to the altar. When infants are baptized in a service where adults are
not, the Baptism may be part of the entrance rite. This emphasizes that their instruction is to follow and
reminds the whole congregation of the baptismal nature of the order for Confession and Forgiveness. At
the Vigil of Easter, baptisms are placed between the Service of Readings and the proclamation of the
Easter texts. This helps Christians to remember their burial with Christ into death, and rising with him to
new life.
A pastor presides at baptism Principle 22
An ordained minister presides at Holy Baptism. Application 22A
God is the one who acts in Baptism. The pastor, congregation, candidates, and sponsors gather around
the font to administer the sacrament. The pastor presides in the midst of a participating community. Or-
dinarily this presider is the pastor of the congregation where the Baptism is being celebrated. The pastor
acts as baptizer, but does so within a congregation of the Church which actively assents and responds.
Baptism may occur before an imminent death Principle 23
In cases of imminent death, a person may be baptized by any Christian. Should sudden death prevent
Baptism, we commend the person to God with prayer, trusting in God’s grace. Application 23A
Counsel for such a baptism at the time of imminent death may be found in Occasional Services and
should be widely known in the Christian community. A dead person, child or adult, is not baptized.
Prayers at such a death may include naming, signing with the cross, anointing for burial, and commen-
dation to God. Prayers and commendations may be offered in the event of a stillbirth or of the early loss
of a pregnancy.
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 13
Application 23B
When a person who was baptized in imminent danger of death survives, Occasional Services provides
for a Public Recognition of the Baptism at corporate worship.
We baptize in the name of the Triune God Principle 24
Holy Baptism is administered with water in the name of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Bap-
tism into the name of the triune God involves confessing and teaching the doctrine and meaning of the
Trinity. The baptized are welcomed into the body of Christ. This is the community which lives from “the
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit . . . .” Background 24A
The Church seeks to maintain trinitarian orthodoxy while speaking in appropriate modern language and
contexts. While a worldwide ecumenical discussion is now underway about such language, we have no
other name in which to baptize than the historic and ecumenically received name. Background 24B
It is in the crucified Jesus that we meet the God to whom he entrusted all, who raised him from the
dead for us, and who poured out the Spirit from his death and resurrection. Washing with water in this
name is much more than the use of a formula. The name is a summary of the power and presence of
the triune God and of that teaching which must accompany every Baptism. Without this teaching and
without the encounter with the grace, love, and communion of the triune God, the words may be mis-
understood as a magic formula or as a misrepresentation of the one God in three persons, “equal in
glory, coeternal in majesty.” What Father and Son mean, in biblical and creedal perspective, must also
be continually reexamined. The doctrine of God teaches us the surprising theology of the cross and
counters “any alleged Trinitarian sanction for sinful inequality or oppression of women in church and so-
ciety.” Application 24C
Some Christians, however, are received into our congregations from other churches in which they were
baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ.” There are some whose Baptisms were accompanied by trinitari-
an examination and confession of faith, and whose Baptisms have occurred within the context of trini-
tarian life and teaching. We will do well to avoid quarrels over the validity of these Baptisms. Application 24D
Outside the context of trinitarian life and teaching no Christian Baptism takes place, whatever liturgical
formula may be used.
Baptism is a public sign Principle 25
We seek to celebrate Baptism in such a way that the celebration is a true and complete sign of the
things which Baptism signifies. Background 25A
“The pedagogical force of practice is considerable.” A strong baptismal theology calls for a strong bap-
tismal practice, teaching and showing forth the meaning of Baptism and inviting Christians to discover
continually its importance for their daily lives. Those who plan baptisms attend to the use of faithful
words and gracious actions, to including the event within the Sunday service, to the architectural or
natural setting, to the regular preparation of candidates, sponsors, parents, and congregation for Bap-
tism, to post-baptismal teaching that strengthens us for mission, and to the possibility of great festivals as
times for Baptism. Application 25B
“It is appropriate to designate such occasions as the Vigil of Easter, the Day of Pentecost, All Saints’
Day, and the Baptism of Our Lord for the celebration of Holy Baptism. Baptismal celebrations on these
occasions keep Baptism integrated into the unfolding of the story of salvation provided by the church
year.” The Vigil of Easter is an especially ancient and appropriate time for Baptism, emphasizing the
origin of all baptism in Christ’s death and resurrection.
Water is used generously Principle 26
Water is a sign of cleansing, dying, and new birth. It is used generously in Holy Baptism to symbolize
God’s power over sin and death.
Messenger of Grace June 2018 page 14
Application 26a
A variety of modes may be used; for example, both immersion and pouring show forth God’s power in
Baptism. Immersion helps to communicate the dying and rising with Christ. Pouring suggests cleansing
from sin. We have taught that it is not the water which does such great things, but the Word of God
connected with the water. God can use whatever water we have. Yet, with Martin Luther, we wish to
make full use of water, when it is possible. “For baptism . . . signifies that the old man [self] and the sinful
birth of flesh and blood are to be wholly drowned by the grace of God. We should therefore do justice
to its meaning and make baptism a true and complete sign of the thing it signifies.”
A font is located in the assembly Principle 27
A baptismal font filled with water, placed in the assembly’s worship space, symbolizes the centrality of
this sacrament for faith and life. Application 27a
As congregations are able, they may consider the creation of fonts of ample proportions filled with flow-
ing water, or baptismal pools which could allow immersion. “The location of the font within the church
building should express the idea of entrance into the community of faith, and should allow ample
space for people to gather around.”
Other signs proclaim the meanings of Baptism Principle 28
The laying on of hands and prayer for the Holy Spirit’s gifts, the signing with the cross, and the anointing
with oil help to appropriate the breadth of meanings in Baptism. Other symbolic acts also are appropri-
ate such as the clothing with a baptismal garment and the giving of a lighted candle. Background 28A
These interpretive signs proclaim the gifts that are given by the promise of God in Baptism itself. Some
keys to their interpretation are given in the Holy Scriptures. The laying on of both hands with the prayer
for the gifts of the Holy Spirit is a sign of the pouring out of the Spirit of God to empower the people of
God for mission. The sign of the cross marks the Christian as united with the Crucified. The use of oil is a
sign of anointing with the Spirit and of union with Jesus Christ, the anointed one of God.
Baptism incorporates into the Church Principle 29
In Baptism people become members not only of the Church universal but of a particular congregation.
Therefore all baptisms are entered into the permanent records of the congregation and certificates are
issued at the time of the administration of the sacrament. Application 29A
The time of the presentation of this certificate may be at the Baptism itself or at a post-baptismal visit or
during post-baptismal formation. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America keeps a roster from the
baptismal ministry of its military chaplains.
Baptism is repeatedly affirmed Principle 30
The public rite for Affirmation of Baptism may be used at many times in the life of a baptized Christian. It
is especially appropriate at Confirmation and at times of reception or restoration into membership. Application 30A
“When there are changes in a Christian’s life, rites of affirmation of Baptism and intercessory prayer
could mark the passage.” “Moving into a nursing home, beginning parenthood or grandparenthood,
choosing or changing an occupation, moving out of the parental home, the diagnosis of a chronic ill-
ness, the end of one’s first year of mourning, the ending of a relationship, and retirement are all exam-
ples of life’s transitions that could be acknowledged by these rites.” Other examples include adoption
and the naming of an already baptized child, release from prison, reunion of an immigrant family, and
new life after abuse or addiction. Application 30B
Every Baptism celebrated in the assembly is an occasion for the remembrance and renewal of baptism
on the part of all the baptized. The Easter Vigil especially provides for a renewal of baptism.
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