Introduction

Journey of Faith is a process of spiritual growth and renewal where we gather around the word of God and reflect on our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Our journey follows an ancient process of welcoming adult believers to the faith. Your questions, your doubts, and your wonderings are all welcome here as we look for answers together.

Please join us in the Journey of Faith if you want to be baptized, renew your baptism, become a member of Saint Mark Lutheran Church, or simply want to know more about God and life in Christ.

Journey of Faith Brochure (pdf)

Read on to see how the journey unfolds…

1 A Time to Come and See

This is an open-ended time to ask questions and explore the many facets of Christian faith. This is a relaxed time of sharing stories and talking about Christian life. These gatherings will take place on September 25th, October 9th, November 6th and 13th during the Sunday School hour beginning at 9:45am.

Childcare is available if needed. Please call ahead to confirm so we can get a baby-sitter.

The culmination of this step comes with the Rite of Welcome in worship on January 8th, 2012 for those who choose to continue their journey.

2 A Time to Study and Pray

Those who continue the journey will be joined by faith partners from the congregation in a time of learning and growth. This step of the journey is anciently known as the catechumenate and focuses on the Bible, basic teaching of the church, worship, prayer, principles of Lutheranism, and what it means to walk in the way of Christ.

The Journey of Faith class will begin the Second Sunday in Advent, December 4th, 2011.

This step in the journey is followed by a Rite of Enrollment for Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism at worship on the First Sunday in Lent, February 26th, 2012.

3 A Time to Find New Life in Christ

This step takes place during the Forty Days of Lent. It is a time in which we lift up the gift of Baptism and its meaning in our lives. On special Sundays during Lent we pass on the gifts of the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer to you, along with our prayers and blessings. The Great Vigil of Easter is the high point of your journey. On this holy night, all those who are ready to be baptized or to affirm their baptism, are invited to come to the water of life.

The Great Vigil of Easter takes place on Holy Saturday, the eve of Easter, April 7th, 2012. After this special service, the celebration will continue with a party held in honor of the newly baptized and all who have affirmed their baptism.

4 A Time to Live Out Your Calling

During the Fifty Days of Easter, the Journey participants explore what it means to live their baptism in daily life. This step of the journey concludes at the festival of Pentecost on May 27th, 2012 with the Affirmation of the Vocation of the Baptized in the World.

During the Fifty Days, you will have opportunities to learn and grow as the people of God. Easter is a time to reflect on the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist and how these experiences shape our lives as followers of Christ.

Calendar

A Time to Come and See — Sept 25, Oct 9, Nov 6 & 13
Rite of Welcome — Jan 8

A Time to Study and Pray — Dec 4 – Feb 19
Rite of Enrollment — Feb 26

A Time to Find New Life in Christ
Rites of Blessing Throughout Lent — Mar 11, 18, & 25
Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism — The Great Vigil of Easter: Apr 7

A Time to Live Out Your Calling — Apr 15 – May 20
Affirmation of the Vocation of the Baptized in the World — Pentecost: May 27