Private Confession & Absolution Times Set

​Historically, Lent is considered to be a penitential season in the life of the Christian. This year during Lent (which begins on Ash Wed., March 2nd) specific times are established for our members to participate in private confession and absolution. Pastor Rock will be available in the sanctuary on three Saturdays (Mar. 5th, 19th, & Apr. 2nd) starting at 3:45 and ending by 4:30 pm. (The ending time is set so Pastor can prepare for the 5 pm Divine Service.) These opportunities are in addition to the always-available option to call Pastor and arrange a mutually agreeable appointment.
Although some denominations demand that their members make a private confession at least once each year, our Lutheran theology puts no such requirement on the Christian. Rather, we understand private confession and absolution to be a privilege of the Christian and it is a gift of God available to him or her. 
There may be a bit of awkwardness the first time that a person utilizes this rite. Yet, the conclusion of the rite – the Absolution from God – spoken through the Pastor, FAR outweighs any initial uneasiness. In the front of Lutheran Service Book, p. 292, the actual rite is shown. Also, for further reading on the subject, you may review your Small Catechism.