All are welcome!

A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

Saint Mark Lutheran Church

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 are considering baptism, desire to 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 2021-2022 (pdf)

Read on to see how the journey unfolds…

Steps in the Journey

1 ~ A Time to Come and See

Come and See 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.

The culmination of this step comes with the Rite of Welcome in worship 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, known in the early church as the catechumenate, focuses on the Bible, worship, prayer, basic teachings of the church, principles of Lutheranism, and what it means to walk in the way of Christ.

Journey of Faith will begin the First Week of Advent at a time to be chosen by the group.

This step in the journey is followed by a Rite of Enrollment for Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism.

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. 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. 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 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. Spiritual gifts are identified to help participants deepen their lives of service.

For More Information

Pastor 
503.588.0141