Baptism

Central to all that we say and do in our ministry as a Lutheran congregation is the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. This is entry into the community of faith. This is God’s action in making us God’s own and connecting us to the body of Christ. This is initiation into a life of discipleship. Baptisms are celebrated with joy at the Vigil of Easter each year on Easter Eve – adults, children and infants are immersed in the waters of grace. Each worshiper has carried water to the font from which new Christians will emerge on this breath-taking celebration. At other times throughout the church year members of the congregation bring their children for baptism as well. Information about scheduling a baptism is available through scheduling a conversation with Pastors Piro or Hoffman. Additional information about baptismal formation is found on the website at The WAY.

Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism

Honoring a tradition as old as the Lutheran Church itself, we at Phinney give young people the opportunity to accept the grace and responsibilities of faith for themselves through our confirmation ministry. These days, we refer to this as affirmation of baptism since that’s exactly what the rite implies – young men and women affirming for themselves the baptismal covenant that their parents entered into when they were infants or younger children. Ours is a process of continuing confirmation that spreads across the middle and high school years. The rite or ceremony itself typically takes place in the fall of the student’s eighth grade year, on Reformation Sunday, the final Sunday of October.

Confirmation Class Schedule
  • 6th grade Wednesdays 5:00-5:30 God in My Life
  • 7th grade Wednesdays 6:20-7:05 Basics of the Faith
  • 8th grade Wednesdays 6:20-7:05 Preparing to Affirm
  • 9th-12th grades Wednesdays 6:20-7:05 Continuing in the Covenant

Another important element of Youth Ministry is our relationship with LYONS – Lutheran Youth of North Seattle.

Weddings

What joy to unite two people in a covenant of life-long faithfulness in the sight of God and with the blessing of the Church. Those seeking marriage in the church begin the process through a conversation with one of our pastors. More than anything else at this special season of your lives we want to build a relationship with you, help you to anchor your lives in a place of worship, and connect you with others who share your faith and life experiences. Information about wedding policies, fees, and preparation are available when meeting with a member of the pastoral staff for an initial planning conversation.

Funerals and Memorial Services

At the time of death, our congregation’s doors swing wide in welcome to those who grieve, just as the arms of God open to welcome the dying one to new life in Christ. Nothing captures our understanding better than the words of the funeral liturgy itself, taken from the Scriptures and found in our worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship…

    If we have been united with him like this in his death,we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

<em>Romans 6:5-7</em>

Our pastors stand ready to assist members, friends, neighbors, any persons in need at the time of death. We are pleased to meet with you to offer prayers for your comfort and support as well as to plan services that will take place in the church, in your home, at the funeral home, or by the graveside, columbarium or mausoleum. Please call. 206.783.2350.