Confirmation
Confirmation is a rite that has been a part of the Lutheran church for a significant amount of its history. While it is indeed an important achievement, it is not the end of the child’s involvement in the church. Though the ceremony may superficially resemble that of graduation, it is best to think of it as a “milestone” in your child’s life of faith instead of an endpoint. After Confirmation, students receive membership at Trinity and will be expected to continue to attend worship services and take part in its other groups, such as Youth Group.
Confirmation is but one step in the life-long process of catechesis. Catechesis involves converting the sinful heart to belief in Christ through faith. This makes it different from many of the other subjects taught in school, which are more involved with preparing students to be productive citizens in their earthly lives. It is also important to note that the classroom is not the only place where catechesis takes place—it begins in the home and extends into the church, the school, and everywhere a person goes. Your children are constantly learning from your words and actions, and these form a large portion of their catechesis. We remember the words of Solomon: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even he is old he will not depart from it.” [Proverbs 22:6]
Holy Scripture forms the basis for our faith and life. Thus, it is the foundation upon all catechesis is built. Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms were written as an exposition of Holy Scripture and will be important tools by which your child will be instructed in the faith. These books were written in a simple fashion to help families distinguish between truth and false doctrine.
Parents play an essential role in catechizing their children. If you're interested in your child joining confirmation class, please call the Church and School Office to speak about expectations and upcoming classes.
The 2026 confirmands
Marriage
Marriage is an honorable estate instituted and blessed by God in Paradise, before humanity’s fall into sin.
In marriage we see a picture of the communion between Christ and His bride, the Church. Our Lord blessed and honored marriage with His presence and first miracle at Cana in Galilee. This estate is also commended to us by the apostle Paul as good and honorable. Therefore, marriage is not to be entered into inadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for the mutual companionship, help, and support that each person ought to receive from the other, both in prosperity and adversity. Marriage was also ordained so that man and woman may find delight in one another. Therefore, all persons who marry shall take a spouse in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust, for God has not called us to impurity but in holiness. God also established marriage for the procreation of children who are to be brought up in the fear and instruction of the Lord so that they may offer Him their praise.
As a member of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, Trinity follows LCMS teachings regarding marriage. You can find these here. Additionally, holding a marriage at Trinity is a privilege of membership in our congregation and is not offered to those outside of membership. Because a marriage is a public act, only the called pastor at Trinity will perform marriages.
Upon engagement, couples are encouraged to call the Church and School Office to discuss availability of dates.
Funerals
A Funeral Service at Trinity is intended for the burial of those who departed this life in the Christian faith. The funeral liturgy is deeply connected to Holy Baptism, encompassing the deceased's entire earthly life in faith. The funeral service is not primarily focused on the individual, but rather on the work of Jesus Christ for that person and for all who are in attendance. Because of this, we do not allow eulogies before, during, or after the funeral service in the sanctuary. Eulogies and other personal remembrances are a welcome part of the funeral luncheon following the service.
As a public act, Christian funeral services are reserved for members of our church, though exceptions may be made in the case of a person who was worshipping regularly at Trinity and had not yet completed classes or was worshipping regularly and is a directly related to a congregation member.
Depending upon circumstances and availability, Pastor Jones may also conduct a funeral at a local funeral home for a Christian that is not a member of Trinity. Only the called pastor to Trinity will conduct a funeral, but other LCMS clergy may also participate in the service if requested by the family.
We understand that it can be difficult for all family members to arrange for travel, so funeral services may be live-streamed (either publicly or privately) upon request.
After a funeral, a luncheon is common. Our gymnasium is available for use free of charge. Women's Fellowship will also bring side dishes for the luncheon free of charge as part of their mission to care for others, and the family is only responsible for paying for the main course. Meals may also be catered to Trinity, depending upon the wishes of the family.
Upon the death of a family member, if Pastor Jones is not already informed, please call him or the Church and School Office.