Life Events
General Life Events
As people of faith, we journey together through all the circumstances of our lives. We mark particular occasions of transition and passage together as a community. If you’re interested in learning more about any of these life events, please contact Pastor Lauren or Pastor Alex using the form below.
Confirmation
Youth are invited to affirm their baptism in worship through the rite of confirmation, which is a process supported by a season of study, mentorship, and spiritual growth. Our Confirmation process is discernment-focused and student-led. During their 8th and 9th grade year, students will have the opportunity to discern when they are feeling called to be confirmed by sharing their faith statements and taking on the covenant of baptism for themselves. In consultation with the pastors, students can choose to be confirmed on Reformation Sunday in October, or during the Easter Season in May. In preparation for this moment, students will join together weekly for Sunday School, prepare individual reflections on Sunday worship, and serve the community together. Our Confirmation Curriculum is built on the foundations of Word and Witness, the two classes offered to 6th-9th graders on Sunday mornings. Students will explore in-depth study of the Bible from 6th-7th grade, and building on that foundation 8th-9th graders will enjoy conversations about discipleship related to “the Small Catechism,” “Lutheran History/Theology,” and “the Faith of our Neighbors.” Families are expected to make this a shared learning experience by joining in the Confirmation Family Classes each month with dinner provided, exploring these themes of confirmation in interactive ways. If a youth is interested in being confirmed, they should reach out to Pastor Alex using the form below.
Baptism
Whenever it happens, whether as a baby, child or adult, baptism is at the heart of an amazing journey of faith as a follower of Jesus Christ. Lutherans believe that God works through baptism to claim us as his own people, to wash away our sins, to drown us to sin and death and to raise us up to new life. In baptism God is doing something great and powerful to us: God is joining us to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
To prepare for your or your child's baptism, one of the pastors will meet with you. During these meetings we will discuss together what Lutheran Christians understand about Baptism and how you (either as the one being baptized or as the parents of a child being baptized) plan to live out your baptismal promises.
Affirmation of Baptism
We recognize and celebrate the ongoing significance of baptism in the lives of Christians with the rite of Affirmation of Baptism. The baptized are renewed in the blessings associated with baptism, and with the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit they commit themselves again to the mission into which baptism sends them.
Through our confirmation program, young adults who were baptized in childhood are invited to make a profession of faith after a time of study and service.
Those of any age who are marking their participation in a new community of faith are also invited to affirm their baptism.
At certain times of the year (for example, at the Easter Vigil) the gathered community is invited to affirm their baptism together in worship.
Wedding
If you’re planning a wedding—congratulations! We’d love to celebrate your special day with you. Marriage is a gift from God, and in a wedding we surround the promises you make to one another with those are gathered, the witness of God’s word, and prayers of blessing. This booklet will assist with your planning.
Funeral
If someone you know and love has died, a funeral or memorial service can be held at the church, in a funeral home, by a graveside, or at our columbarium. We will be there to support you every step of the way. This booklet provides information on planning a funeral.
Columbarium
The Muhlenberg Columbarium is a beautiful space designated for the interment of the ashes of people who have died and been cremated. The Columbarium is a prayerful place, a place of reflection, and a permanent place for those who have died. If you are interested in reserving a niche, please contact the church office.