Baptism – Through Baptism, the partnership between the congregation and parents begins as this is the beginning point for a lifetime of faith.  For babies being baptized, parents make promises to raise the child in the habits of a disciple.  The congregation promises to support both the child and the parents.  Older children and adults are baptized after they have accepted Jesus as the Savior.  They declare their faith to the congregation during Baptism and the church promises to support them on the faith journey.

First Communion – RLCA offers an open communion to all baptized Christians who believe our Lord’s words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins”.  We offer a blessing to those not baptized or those who are not ready to receive communion.  Classes are offered to prepare people to receive communion (generally in the third grade).  Parents determine when their child is ready and has an understanding of Jesus’ sacrifices for our sins and the need for their own repentance.

Confirmation – This is the point in a child’s life when they claim their faith as their own by publicly declaring their faith statement to the congregation. This generally takes place toward the end of 8^th grade and when parents believe their child is ready. The child writes their own Faith Statement and then will orally present it to the congregation.  Through the affirmation of their baptism and the congregation accepting a role to continue to nourish the student, the young person then becomes an adult member of the congregation and assumes more responsibility for their own faith life.  Confirmation is not expressed as the end of the student’s faith development however; we believe it is a life long journey and commitment.