Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Growing, Tending, Nurturing
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Gethsemane-a caring church for a changing community
Answer: The practice of “passing the peace” in worship has its roots in Matthew 5:23-24: “So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”
The idea is that before we begin worship (communion) we want to make sure that we are at peace with the brother or sister that we are about to worship with. It’s not so much that “visiting” isn’t appropriate during the peace; it’s just that it might crowd out the main reason for the practice. Congregations vary a lot from each other in this practice. In some churches, people barely move from their place at all and the greetings are very minimal. In others, people roam around and the greetings are much more involved.
Some people shake hands, some hug. In the early church, kisses were exchanged. Gethsemane has its own style, and different people at Gethsemane have their own style. In order to show hospitality to each other, we try to respect each other’s “style”, and we also try to remember the purpose of the original practice. It probably would also not be in the spirit of hospitality to try to insist that everyone refrain from “visiting” during the “passing of the peace.”
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@glcportland.com with any of your own questions or for more information about the church.
Previous Questions
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What is Baptism?
Baptism is a Sacrament, ordained by God, through which people are brought into God’s family, the church. Lutherans believe that people may be baptized as infants, or, when they are old enough, they are baptized after a period of instruction. Lutherans believe Baptism is a gracious act of God through which God makes a person His own. In Baptism God offers these gifts: forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ; new life here in the Body of Christ, the church, and beyond death in God’s presence; and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Because of that, Lutherans do not view Baptism as a trivial thing.. It is for all as the Bible says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28;19 NIV
If you wish to be baptized or if you desire baptism for your children please speak with Pastor Tom.
When should my child start receiving Holy Communion?
If you are considering the readiness of your children to receive this Sacrament you are encouraged to speak with Pastor Tom. In Holy Communion God offers the gifts of forgiveness of sins and unity within the Body of Christ, the church. We believe that Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, is present in this sacrament, giving his true body and blood as food and drink and that this real presence is a mystery.