Often Asked Questions Regarding St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church

JOINING THE CONGREGATION - All Are Welcome! New Member classes are a key part of this process, and are generally offered twice a year. They are typically two sessions where we cover the basics of Christianity from a distinctly Lutheran perspective, you are introduced to the ministries of St. Andrew’s, and you join in fellowship with other new and current members of the congregation. New members are formally received into membership at a worship celebration.  For more information about the next class call the church office at 218-326-8508. Or send an email. office@StAndrewsGrandRapidsMN.org

WEDDINGS - Congratulations! St. Andrew’s is happy to perform legal weddings for members and non-members alike. The first step is to download and read St. Andrew’s wedding packet, which also includes the Wedding Service that St. Andrew’s uses. There are options from which to choose in several sections of the wedding service. After reading the wedding packet, call to set up an appointment with the pastor. During that appointment you will be asked to sign a Wedding Agreement Form, which signifies that you have read and agree to the Wedding Guidelines and fees. It also commits the church and pastor to the agreed upon date. Wedding Packet

BAPTISMS - Baptism marks the entry into the Body of Christ and is an important step in the life of every Christian. We understand baptism as a means through which God pours God’s grace upon people, a grace that is received by faith. Lutheranism recognizes baptism as one of the two sacraments, the other being Holy Communion. If you would like your infant or young child baptized, please contact the church and request the booklet “Welcome to the Family!” For Parents Whose Child is About to Be Baptized” by Rich Melheim. You can also talk with the pastor about setting the date of the baptism as well as a pre-baptismal meeting. Baptisms can be scheduled for most Sundays at our 9:00 am worship service or at our 6:00 pm Wednesday worship service. Adults who wish to discuss baptism should speak with the pastor to discuss baptism and joining the St. Andrew’s family of faith. Baptismal Information Form

FUNERALS - Funeral services at the church can bring God’s word of comfort, hope, and promise to those who are grieving. Funerals may be held at St. Andrew’s or at a Funeral Home. Normally, the pastoral staff will have been involved in the end-of-life process, having visited with the dying person and their family. At other times, however, the dying person and/or family may have had little or no church connection.  Families and/or hospital and nursing home staff may call upon a pastor in these circumstances.  You may wish to download the Funeral Planning Packet which includes an information form, suggested Bible passages and hymns, as well as the order of service with options from which to choose in the funeral planning. Funeral Packet

USING THE CHURCH BUILDING - Members of St. Andrew’s as well as community groups may use the church building for meetings and events as long as the event does not conflict with St. Andrew’s Mission, Vision, values and beliefs. Contact the church office to confirm the availability of the facility and/or a room in the facility. If the date and space are available, you will be asked to read the Facility Use Policy and then complete and return the Facility Use Form (included in the document “facility use policy”). Once that has been received, your event will be added to the church calendar. Building Use Policies