OUR BELIEFS
There are many questions you may have about church beliefs, practices, teachings, and the like. We want to provide you with some of those answers here!
Can you tell me about Baptism?
For a guide to understanding what we believe and teach regarding infant baptism, please click here.
Can you tell me about The Lord’s Supper/Communion?
For a guide understanding what we believe and teach regarding The Lord’s Supper/Communion, please click here.
What if I want to get married at Peace?
For information regarding wedding planning, please click here.
Can you help me understand how a funeral works at Peace?
We understand that this is an important time for anyone and to read our guide to understanding funerals, please click here.
To use Peace for another purpose, please click here to fill out the facility use form.
UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in a baptism for your child at Peace Lutheran Church. This guide is intended to help you with the planning of this important event in the life of your family and of your child. Hopefully, it will answer questions you may have at this time. Our goal is to help you understand the meaning of baptism and the procedures followed at our church for the planning and performance of a baptism.
A CRITICAL FIRST STEP
We believe that baptism is a critical first step in the Christian life of every believer. We believe that baptism brings individuals into the family of God. It forgives our sins and makes us a member of God’s family. Baptism is the first step on a life-long journey of faith. The faith that begins at Baptism must be nurtured and strengthened for a lifetime. This is done through regular worship and fellowship with God’s people. This is done through the regular study of God’s Word, the Bible. The Bible reminds us that if this faith is neglected, it may die. We can think of Baptism as God planting the seed of faith in the heart of a child, and then God watering it, through the work of the Church, to help that faith grow and flourish.
A MEETING WITH THE PASTOR
To help your family understand the meaning of Baptism in the Lutheran Church, our pastor will set up an appointment with you to study what the Scriptures have to say about Baptism. At this time, the pastor will explain the meaning of the Baptism service in the church and answer any questions. This meeting will help you understand the Baptism Service and the promises that you and your Baptismal Sponsors (or God-parents) will be asked to make before God and His people.
PARENT’S PROMISES
At the time your child is baptized, you will promise to bring your child to Sunday School, and to worship services, and when they start grade 7, to bring them to the Confirmation Program of our church, so that, your child may learn the basics of the Christian faith. This instruction will eventually lead your child to another very important part of the Christian life, which is the participation in the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.
SPONSORS/GOD PARENTS
You will be asked to think about the tradition of having Baptismal Sponsors or God-parents present at the Baptism of your child. Your Sponsors/God-parents will promise to care for the spiritual needs of your child if you are unable to do so. Your Sponsors/God-parents will be Christian people who are willing to keep the promises that they will make on the day of your child’s Baptism. We will provide you with Sponsor/God-parent responsibilities and ask that you give it to your Sponsors/God-parents so that they will know their role in the life of your child.
CONNECTED TO THE WORSHIP LIFE OF GOD’S PEOPLE
Baptisms are normally performed in the church – as part of a Christian worship service – before a group of gathered believers. Because Lutherans believe that Holy Baptism brings an individual into the family of God, the church (the family of God gathered in worship), will want to be part of this important event. God’s gathered people will promise, along with you and your sponsors, that they will pray for you and for your child. After all, your child will become a member of Peace and thus, a member of the One Holy Christian Church throughout the world.
THOSE WHO LIVE OUT OF TOWN
For those who do not live within the neighbouring area of Peace Lutheran Church, it is the practice of our congregation – once the baptism of a child or an infant has been performed, to send his or her membership within 30 days to the closest Lutheran Church – Canada congregation and ask the pastor of that congregation to offer the services of the church to that family. It is so important for the spiritual welfare of your child to remain connected with a church.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
All baptisms take place in the church sanctuary. As you make plans for the date of the baptism, please be advised that because of the structure of our worship services, the first, second, or third Sundays of the month are preferable. Also, plan to invite a lot of your friends to the celebration, just let us know ahead of time so we can manage the seating. If you want to take pictures, fine. Just not during the service. We will gladly accommodate re-enactments and family photos after.
There is no charge for a Baptism at Peace. This is part of our ongoing ministry to our members, their families, and to our community. We pray that God would use this special event to strengthen your own faith and your commitment to His Church. A baptism is a wonderful opportunity for renewal and re-dedication to God for all the members of your family. May God bless the important decisions and plans you are making at this time. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastors if you have any further questions, or if you would like to set up an appointment.
THE LORD’S SUPPER
BACKGROUND
Holy Baptism brings us the gift of faith, the Lord’s Supper helps to keep us in that faith. So the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, is something very special. It’s a gift that Jesus Christ gave His followers. On the night before He died, Jesus met with His disciples and while they were eating, He took bread, blessed it, and gave it to His disciples and said, “Take eat, this is my body.” He took the cup of wine also, and gave it to His disciples and said, “Take and drink, this is my blood. . . .for the forgiveness of sins. . .Do this in remembrance of me.” Ever since the very first Lord’s Supper believers in Jesus have practiced this very special sacred act of coming together to partake of Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.
WHO CAN TAKE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Not just anyone. Jesus gave His body and blood to His closest followers and St. Paul tells us that:
a person ought to examine themselves before they eat of the body and drink of the blood.
1 Cor. 11:27
So the Christian Church has always practiced some kind of instruction before one is ready to take the Lord’s Supper. In other words, preparation is required. It is the Pastor’s responsibility to make sure those under his spiritual care are instructed properly concerning the Christian faith and it’s teachings and therefore prepared to receive the Lord’s Supper. We call that Confirmation. All those who have been taught the Christian faith and have made their confession, that is, have been confirmed in the faith, receive the Lord’s Supper. This is not seen as optional, but is expected. We here at Peace have Christian Education for all ages and particularly Confirmation instruction for the young (at around age 12) and those adults new to the Lutheran Church (Adult Inquiry Class) so hearts and minds can be prepared to receive the precious gift of Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. If you desire to take the Lord’s Supper at Peace, please speak to the Pastor. He will be happy to better answer any questions you might have. Children and adults who have not yet been instructed come to the table with arms folded and receive a blessing.
IT’S ABOUT BEING ONE
The Lord’s Supper is about your relationship with Your Saviour Jesus Christ. It is personal. But it is not just personal. It is also communal, that means being united in fellowship with all those who take and eat at that same meal. Communion is therefore a celebration that we all believe the same and confess the same.
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month and all high festivals. It is celebrated here at Peace as a statement of what God in His mercy has done for us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. By participating in the Lord’s Supper we believe we receive the forgiveness of sins, thus peace with God. We also acknowledge the unity of the faith that we all confess. We are at peace with God and with one another.
If you’d like to learn more about the Lord’s Supper and other Christian beliefs please talk to the Pastor. That is what he is here for.
WEDDING PLANNING
INTRODUCTION
This Marriage Planner is intended to answer frequently asked questions about weddings at Peace Lutheran Church.
It is important to remember that a wedding service is a worship service in which baptized believers in the Lord Jesus Christ make their vows before God and before the congregation, according to principles laid out in the Word of God. These guidelines have been approved by the Board of Lay Ministry of Peace Lutheran Church.
Your wedding day is a very important day for you and for your families. The pastor is glad to have an opportunity to share this special occasion with you! We stand ready to work with you in order to make your wedding an event you will remember with pleasure and fondness.
In a wedding worship service, the Bride and Groom are the special guests. The goal of the wedding service as with any service at Peace is to glorify God. God’s blessing is sought. The joining of Bride and Groom is done with dignity and in accord with the laws of the Province of Manitoba.
PRE-WEDDING ARRANGEMENTS
Weddings at Peace are arranged after a personal interview with our pastor. The pastor will explain what a Christian marriage is, what’s all involved and generally how things are done at Peace.
The health of your marriage relationship is what is of utmost importance to us as a Church. A loving couple makes a loving family, and a loving family makes a healthy community, and a healthy community makes a healthy society, and a healthy society makes a healthy world. You get the idea. Marriage is very important. It is the foundational relationship from which all other relationships stem. Therefore we offer pre-marriage counselling to all who seek to get married by one of the pastors of Peace.
PRE-MARRIAGE COUNSELLING
Pre-marriage classes take generally about 8 hours and involve such topics as the Purpose and Plan of marriage, threats to marriage, communication, and conflict resolving. They can be done individually or as a group.
After you have chosen a tentative date and time for your wedding, it is important that you contact our pastor for an initial appointment. It is best not to make any plans until you have determined the availability of the church and you have agreed with the requirements laid out by the pastor.
In later meetings, details of your wedding will be discussed, so that you may proceed with plans involving invitations, flowers, music, reception, attendants, photography, and the like. If you would like other Lutheran Church-Canada clergy to participate in your wedding, the invitation should be extended by Peace Lutheran Church. You should inform your pastor of your wishes in this area at your first meeting.
WHO CAN GET MARRIED AT PEACE?
MEMBERS
If you are a member of Peace, or a sister Lutheran Church – Canada [LCC] congregation, that’s great, it is expected you will get married by the pastor.
NON-MEMBERS
If you are not members of Peace, or of a sister LCC congregation, we would still be happy to meet with you and talk about your wedding, your marriage, and your
plans and how we can help you reach your goal of a happy and healthy marriage. We believe that a healthy family starts with a healthy marriage, and a healthy marriage starts with the key Christian values of unconditional love and forgiveness.
COUPLES LIVING OUT OF TOWN
If you are living out of town, and are unable to attend pre-marriage classes you might be able to make arrangements for classes with a sister congregation and their clergy, or technologies such as Zoom may be used.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
In the Province of Manitoba, couples seeking marriage require a marriage license. Marriage licenses may be purchased from marriage license issuers. Jewelry stores, wedding stores, or city/town administrators generally provide this service. You can visit Vital Statistics website for more information. The license is valid for 90 days after it is issued.
If you have been married before and are presently divorced, the government requires proof that you are in an unmarried state. Presenting a copy of a certificate of divorce to the officiating clergy will meet this requirement.
FACILITY USE
Weddings are normally held at Peace, on church premises. Outdoor weddings or offsite weddings may be arranged, in consultation with our pastor.
Decorating the facility is allowed, of course, within reason. The facilities have been dedicated to the glory of God and as such we want to reflect that. The Fellowship Hall in the basement is available for a reception. Some restrictions apply. To request use of Peace, click here.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE CEREMONY
The Wedding Ceremony is a public worship service of Peace Lutheran Church. It is a celebration of a faith family member or members finding love and celebrating that love with their family and their faith family. Often members of the Church attend the wedding ceremonies of their brothers and sisters in the faith and pray for them.
Family and friends may participate in the worship service, as musicians, Scripture readers, candle-lighters, ushers and the like. There is only one officiant at the wedding ceremony and as with any service of Peace that will be our pastor of Peace Lutheran Church.
WEDDING COSTS
It is expected that members of Peace give regularly and generously to support the ongoing ministry and mission of the congregation through their regular offerings. The Wedding preparation and ceremony are part of that ministry. Couples often consider the amount of time the pastor spends with them in preparation and give an honorarium to him. They also consider the use of the facility and give an extra donation to the ministry of Peace.
PHOTOS & VIDEO
In order to keep the service orderly and dignified, there will be a minimum of distractions due to photography and other such movement. Flash pictures are permitted as the wedding party enters and leaves the church and from the balcony. They are also permitted during the signing of the register. Photo opportunities, such as re-enactments, may be arranged before or after the service. Please ask your photographer and video person to meet with the pastor at the wedding rehearsal or before the service to ask any questions.
SERVICE PLANNING
The wedding service will lead you and your guests in worship, giving glory to God and asking for His blessings on your life together. During the planning process, the pastor will offer suggestions for your service and for music to accompany it, and will coordinate the various parts of the wedding service. We will help you plan a service that avoids mess ups and will be a service you will remember with happiness and contentment in future years.
Since the music in a wedding service is intended to glorify God, it should contribute to the respectful spirit of worship. Appropriate music is available for organ, piano, guitar, vocal and instrumental selections and should be cleared with the pastor during the service planning process.
If the couple wishes, they can make arrangements with one of the accompanists within the congregation to play at their wedding. The pastor can provide some names of accompanists. Costs are negotiated with them.
Worship folders for the wedding service can be prepared and printed by the office staff of Peace. Couples are asked to purchase their own bulletin covers from a local Christian bookstore and provide the content to the office.
Generally, a wedding ceremony lasts about a half hour in its simplest form. The addition of special music and other traditions will add to the length.
REHEARSAL
The pastor will arrange a date and time for a wedding rehearsal and direct the activities at the rehearsal so that it will go smoothly in as brief a time as possible. Please ask all members of the wedding party, as well as family members, to be on time for the rehearsal. The rehearsal lasts about an hour.
The pastor will be able to offer suggestions for the work of the ushers at your wedding so that they will be informed as to their duties and be ready to anticipate any unexpected eventualities.
CONCLUSION
We hope that this answers some of your questions as you begin to plan your life together as husband and wife. As a Church we support and encourage couples in their love for each other by providing a Christ-centered understanding of marriage and community. May God bless the important plans you are making at this time!
CHRISTIAN FUNERALS
INTRODUCTION
A funeral is often a very difficult time for families. This funeral guide is intended to help in the pre-planning of a funeral, or to help families who are presently dealing with a funeral, so that they might be better prepared when they meet with the Pastor to design a funeral service.
It is helpful to remember that a funeral is, first and foremost, a worship service. As in any worship service held at Peace Lutheran Church or led by its Pastor, the primary focus is on our Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. In the context of this we also remember the one who has died. Our prayer for every funeral is that faith in Jesus Christ would be renewed and that God would be glorified.
ARRANGEMENTS
When a loved one dies or is close to death usually the Pastor is called to make a visit. The Pastor brings the comfort of God’s Word to the dying and the surviving in the presence of the shadow of death. If the occasion permits, the family can make preliminary arrangements for a funeral with the Pastor at that time. When the Pastor is available, when the church is available and/or the fellowship hall, when the funeral home will have the body ready, cemetery arrangements for the committal, reception arrangements all have to be coordinated. So giving some pre-thought to what Funeral Home, cemetery to use, and where the reception might be, and where the food will come from, can certainly help in preparing for this difficult time. Sometime when death comes unexpectedly, the family is left scrambling to make arrangements, or the funeral is delayed until all the arrangements have been made. Sometimes the arrangements become so important that the family does not have time to properly grieve. So keeping things as simple as possible, as timely as possible, is the best way to go. We encourage families to talk to their Pastor ahead of time.
BURIAL OR CREMATION
Both are acceptable practices today. What is important is that God is thanked for the body and that the body is returned to the place from which it came, that is, ‘earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust’. Burying the remains has always been a great Christian tradition because it reminds us of the Biblical image of sowing or planting a seed, and then that seed coming back to life, in the resurrection. For some families having the body prepared for a viewing before the funeral service is important to provide closure to those who might need it. For others, they want to remember their loved ones as living. Whatever the case, the body or remains should not be kept. They belong to the Lord and thus should be returned and buried in anticipation of the resurrection.
STRUCTURE OF THE WORSHIP SERVICE
A funeral service at Peace Lutheran Church includes the following basic elements.
Songs – A funeral service normally has three or four hymns or songs. Why? Because it is a Christian tradition to sing in the face of death. This goes way back to when Paul and Silas were imprisoned in a dungeon in Philippi awaiting their execution.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
Acts 16:25
Special music such as solos are fine as long as the song selection is approved by the Pastor. The Pastor can provide a list of suitable songs for a Christian funeral.
Remembrance – Often called a eulogy, or a tribute. This is often done by the family, or prepared by the family and read by the Pastor. It should be short and to the point. Remembrances are not required elements in a Lutheran funeral service. However, the goal of a eulogy, if present, is to give a brief summary of the individual’s life in Christ and present the hope and faith they had in life. Should the family desire such a tribute, it is understood that it’s content be approved by the Pastor before the funeral. Some families like to do a slide show before the service. This is quite fine, as long as it is not too long. If the family wishes to have a number of people give tributes and/or tell stories of their loved one, that is a longer time for remembrance, then that could be done during the luncheon in the fellowship hall after the service.
The Word of God in its various forms: Liturgy, readings, the Apostles’ Creed – (which is brief statement of the Christian faith), Pastor’s Message, Prayers and Lord’s Prayer, Blessing are all essentials to a funeral service.
A note about the internment or cremation is usually printed in the worship folder. A note about memorials helps family and friends direct memorial gifts according to the family’s wishes.
A NOTE ON CHRISTIAN ESTATE PLANNING
In the Holy Scriptures, God’s people are encouraged to set aside a portion of their resources as thanks to Him for the many rich blessings He provides. As part of this process, many of God’s people also set aside a portion of their estate for the Lord’s work. These resources represent a portion of what the Lord has enabled them to acquire during their lifetime. As Christians, our greatest blessing is living each day with the promise of eternal life, made available to us through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Given all these blessings, it’s natural to give thanks all the way through our life’s journey. Setting aside a gift for the Lord’s work as part of our estate planning is a way of saying thanks to our Lord one final time, and a way of sharing God’s blessings with ministries that are important to us. Our planned gift allows us to contribute to a ministry that’s important to us, so that these ministries might continue their work for years to come.
SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION
- Information on wills and estates in the form of a wills check-up helps establish a clear plan with regard to the steps to take in completing your estate planning.
- Some Christians choose to include a Christian preamble as an opening paragraph in their will. This is a simple way of witnessing to your faith at a critical time.
- Power of attorney issues are an important consideration. This has to do with having a trusted individual deal with your business and financial affairs should you be unable to do so yourself. This is an area where the assistance of a lawyer is very helpful.
- A Healthcare Directive enables health care professionals to know your preferences in terms how you would like your medical care to be handled should you be critically ill. A lawyer’s assistance is not required with this document.
- The Lutheran Foundation Canada has some excellent planned giving tools on their website. Examples of planned gifts are found here. This site notes the process by which publicly traded shares may be gifted to an organization. In 2006, the Canadian federal government removed the capital gains tax on publicly traded shares when they are gifted to a registered charity.
- The Lutheran Foundation Canada also has gift coordinators available to assist you in your planned giving. There is no cost for this service.