Sacraments

Reformed pastor and theologian John Calvin once said about the passover meal before Israel's exodus from Egypt that the meaning "[passover] sacrament was twofold, both to exercise the people in the recollection of their past deliverance, and to nourish in them the hope of future redemption; and therefore the passover not only reminded them of what God had already done for His people, but also of what they were hereafter to expect from Him."  

In this way, the two sacraments of Baptism and Communion help us to recall who God has been and what God has done, but also to who God is and will be, and what God will do.

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you
by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Isaiah 43

Baptism

Baptism is God's welcome into the family
of God. We believe when we are baptized we receive the physical sign and seal that points
to the spiritual truth that we are united with Christ in his life and death and rising. 

At Lynnwood we celebrate both infant and believer baptism. We believe that both of these practices of baptism emphasize different parts of life with God and the journey of faith. 

If you are interested in becoming baptized please know that our pastors and leaders are always willing to have a conversation about
this beautiful gift from God. 

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-29

Communion

We believe that if baptism is the welcome of God to the family of faith then the table of is the place where God nourishes our faith.
Like a dinner table, it is the place where we return again and again to be nourished by faith to understand the depth of the riches and wisdom of God found and offered to us in
Jesus Christ. 

At Lynnwood we believe that communion is a gift from God through which, like scripture, God speaks to us. In this way we seek to have communion as a response to the Word of God so that we might grasp more deeply the grace God is serving us. 

At Lynnwood we welcome all those to the table who love Jesus Christ, who wish to seek after him, and who wish to grow in his likeness. 

If you have any questions about communion please know that our pastors are excited to have a conversation with you.