Various rites in the occasional services book such as recognition of ministries in the congregation or affirmation of vocation in the world put in ritual form the lutheran theological stress on christian vocation that is given in baptism. Living our baptismal covenant means living a life of growth in the faith practices of discipleship. Beginning with the lutheran book of worship in 1978 and continuing with the release of evangelical lutheran worship in 2006, elca congregations have been reclaiming the historic lutheran practices and piety related to the sacrament of baptism. The presiding minister may note briefly the occasion for this affirmation. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Paul lutheran church rejoices in the gift of baptism given to the church by jesus christ in the great commission, found in matthew 28. Affirmation of baptism invitation after the sermon has been preached, appointed representatives and the pastor may gather in the chancel for confirmation. Affirmation of baptism refers to a specific rite used in assembly worship. Affirmation of baptism st pauls evangelical lutheran. From top to bottom are an open bible word of god, a shell with drops of water holy baptism, and communion vessels with grains of wheat and fruit of the vine lords supper.
To the left of the cross are depicted the means of grace, through which the gospel goes forth into our lives and to all the world. Much of the flow of the service and the instruction given is adapted from the format of the episcopal book of common prayer. The liturgy for the affirmation of baptism describes the faith practices that grow out of our baptism evangelical lutheran worship, page 236. Living our baptismal covenant evangelical lutheran. Affirmation of baptism can also be used as a ceremony to receive new members who were baptized in another christian denomination and are now joining a lutheran congregation. A third use of affirmation of baptism is for members who have been inactive for a long time and now want to take an active part in the life of the congregation again. Affirmation of baptism st paul evangelical lutheran church. The use of the means of grace, the evangelical lutheran church in americas set of priorities for the practices of word and sacrament states. Evangelical lutheran worship service of reception of new members affirmation of baptism presentation at the conclusion of the hymn of the day, those making affirmation may gather with the ministers at the font.
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