Affirmation of Baptism is a public renewal of Baptismal vows. 

It is Trinitarian, in that it is celebrated in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is communal, in that it is celebrated among the community of faithful people who gather at worship.

It is suitable to mark many important life passages (e.g. adolescent confirmation, uniting with a congregation, restoration of membership in a congregation, indicating personal renewal of faith, celebrating a Baptismal birthday etc.).

It generally involves pastoral instruction.

It is for the baptized. 

It involves the renunciation of evil, a profession of faith and promises to:

·        live among God’s faithful people,

·        regularly hear the Word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper,

·        proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,

·        serve all people following the example of Jesus, and

·        strive for justice and peace in all the earth. 

It includes a congregational commitment to support those affirming their baptisms. 

It may include the laying on of hands and a prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit to individuals who affirm their baptisms.

It is intended to enrich a life active in faith.

In order to honor these accepted Lutheran practices, the celebration of affirmation of baptism at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church must:

·        be celebrated in the Trinitarian name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,

·        be celebrated within the context of congregational worship,

·        be part of an active life of faith (i.e. Those seeking to affirm their baptisms must be actively engaged in the life of this community of faith, or in the act of uniting with or being restored to participation in this community.),

·        be celebrated with the understanding that affirmation of baptism is a means of publicly celebrating a renewal or deepening of the baptismal commitment to follow Jesus, and

·        abide by Lutheran liturgical and musical traditions.

In order to stress the primary function of this community of faith as being the making of disciples and not the mere collection of members, the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism will be the primary WAY of celebrating the unification of individuals with this congregation and its mission.

The pastor under call to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church will preside at all celebrations of affirmation of baptism on congregational property.  Those affirming their baptisms may, with the pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church’s permission, invite other clergy to assist with the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism.

If you would like to speak with Pastor Schneider about the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism, please contact him by e-mail at pastorschneider@comcast.net or by telephone at 717.235.2315.