Life Events

 Baptism is a gift of God. We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. In baptism, God washes us of sin and gives us a new birth as a child of God. If you desire to be baptized, or you desire your child to be baptized, please contact the pastor to schedule both the pre-baptismal instruction and the date of the baptism. 

At Confirmation, or the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism, young people take responsibility for their own beliefs  and promise to live a life rooted in baptism, following the way of Christ.

Here at FELC, those seeking to affirm their baptism are equipped for the baptismal life by participating in a threefold program of faith formation: Study + Service + Community-building.  Worship undergirds all three aspects.  Parents are important in this process.

Typically, young people begin Confirmation in September of their 7th grade year, and, upon fulfillment of all requirements, are confirmed in October of their 9th grade year.  For more information, or to join in Confirmation, contact Mrs. Raylee Brown, Director of Youth and Family Ministry at raylee.brown@felcpeoria.org or 309-685-0337.

 Typically, baptized Christians receive some instruction about Holy Communion before receiving the sacrament. The sacrament’s effectiveness does not depend on our understanding, but a better understanding can increase the meaning of the gift. If you are an adult and would like to know more about the Meal before you receive it with us, please contact the pastor.

At FELC, 3rd graders are invited to First Communion instruction in the Spring to prepare for receiving the Meal for the first time on Pentecost each year. Parents, family, and godparents are invited and encouraged to join their children at this instruction. If you are interested in 1st Communion for your child, please contact the church office, and watch for dates to be posted in the new year.

 All are welcome to become a part of the FELC community. We journey together in life, helping one another follow Jesus. That journey begins with being our guest in worship, service events, and other activities. The next step is making a commitment to the church and our faith community making a commitment to you. We promise, at baptism, to live among God’s faithful people, to worship, to receive the sacraments, to study the Bible, and to work for justice and peace throughout the world. Members of FELC have the joy and responsibility to vote in congregational matters, help lead worship as called upon, serve on ministry committees, and eventually, perhaps, serve on the Church Council.

Inquiry Class

New Member Classes are held twice a year in the Fall and Spring, to learn about the Lutheran faith and FELC. If you are a transfer from another church it is a great refresher course, and an opportunity to meet new people and get to know the pastor. If you are new to the faith, the class provides time and a safe space to ask questions. Attending does not obligate you to become a member. For more information contact the church at 309-685-0337 or office@felcpeoria.org.

 We believe that marriage is not just a civil contract, but a relationship ordained by God and blessed by Him—a holy estate, to be held in honor by all. A wedding at FELC is a worship service of promise: God promises to bless the couple; the couple makes promises to one another; those gathered promise to honor the couple’s relationship and support them.

If you are planning a wedding, pick up the FELC “Preparing for Marriage” booklet for more information. Please contact the Pastor to reserve the date before you sign contracts with venues and vendors. Marriage preparation for members and non-members alike includes a number of sessions with the pastor to plan the service and to share guided conversation to prepare the couple for life together in faith, hope, and love.

 At significant wedding anniversaries, it is appropriate to celebrate by giving thanks for God’s providence and for the fruit of a couple’s efforts to share life.  The Rite of Affirmation of Marriage is a brief and simple worship service, at which time a couple renews their vows to one another, and hears God speaking a new Word into their relationship.  Often, the service is followed by an anniversary party or reception.  A Renewal of Vows service can be held in the church, home, or other location.  For more information, contact Pastor at office@felcpeoria.org or 309-685-0337. 

 The Order for the Blessing of a Dwelling is a simple and beautiful prayer service to invite God’s blessing upon and presence within our living spaces.  Scripture and prayer are shared in each room of the house.  Often, hosts invite family and friends to attend, and the brief order of worship is followed by refreshments.  Or a blessing can be done with the pastor and residents.  Although a house blessing to celebrate God’s providence can be shared at any time, it is particularly appropriate when you have moved into a new home/dwelling, when renovations are completed, after a traumatic event occurs in a home, when a mortgage is paid off, when a family member moves in or out of the home, or at any significant occasion pertaining to your dwelling place.  For more information, please contact Pastor at office@felcpeoria.org or 309-685-0337.