Christiania Lutheran Church

Our membership in the body of Christ comes through baptism. Christiania recognizes the baptism of other Christian denominations and welcomes all into our fellowship of grace and discipleship.

It is meaningful to Christiania and to individuals to make public our covenant with each other.

The best way to know if this community is one to which you choose to attach yourself is to visit and participate often. Members and pastors will invite you to consider making Christiania your spiritual home, where you will receive nurture through the word and sacrament and fellowship with other disciples.

When you are prepared to make this commitment, you participate in a one Sunday membership orientation, which is offered three or four times a year. You will be paired with a ‘sponsor’ who will help you navigate your way through the congregation and be your spiritual companion. After the orientation, a new member reception is held within the worship gathering, where you confess your faith in Christ Jesus along with the congregation, and promise to continue your spiritual discipleship. During the coffee hour that day, your sponsor introduces you.

If you are transferring your membership from another congregation, please call them and ask them to send a ‘letter of transfer’ including all dates (birth, baptism, confirmation, marriage, etc.) to Christiania.

To become a member of Christiania, call one of the pastors at 952.461-2283. Upcoming dates for orientation and reception are tentatively set for August and November, 2007.

2. How do I schedule a wedding at Christiania?

Christiania opens its church building and staff for all who wish to be married in a Christian ceremony.

To schedule a wedding, call the pastors at 952.461-2283. The office manager can first tell you if the date is available, but your date is not confirmed until one of the pastors has met with both of you.

The Wedding Handbook with church policies and suggestions for vows, music and Scripture:
Information about Christiania
Wedding Service
Vows
Scripture
Fee Schedule

3. How do I schedule a Baptism?

In holy baptism God delivers us from the forces of evil, puts our sinful self to death, gives us new birth, adopts us as children, and makes us members of the body of Christ, the church.

As Christ welcomes all into his family, Christiania welcomes all to the life giving water of baptism, regardless of membership. Traditionally, infants are brought to the holy ‘bath’, although many come as children, young and mature adults.

Baptism takes place within the normal worship assembly, as a sign that we are made one with Christ and with his people. The community of Christiania confesses faith alongside and offers their support to the baptized, their sponsors and family. Due to time constraints, baptisms are usually not scheduled when Holy Communion is celebrated, or during other festival worship gatherings.

To schedule a baptism, call the church office at 952.461-2283 to talk with one of the pastors. They may invite you to a conversation around baptism, or to get acquainted. They will remind you to choose Christian sponsors (godparents) who will be partners in faith formation and models of discipleship.

The baptized and their family come early to the service to sign certificates and receive any last minute instruction. Photos may be taken during the service without any flash and from sitting in the pews. The order for baptism is in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pages 227-231