St. John's Lutheran Ministries
At St. John’s Lutheran Ministries of Portage, we walk together through life’s joys and sorrows, trusting in the gracious care of our Lord. From the life-giving waters of Holy Baptism, to the joining of husband and wife in Christian Marriage, to the hope-filled Funeral Service that proclaims Christ’s victory over death, each moment is shaped by God’s promises and centered in His Word.
As Scripture reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). In every season, we find comfort and joy in His unchanging love. Whether you are celebrating, grieving, or seeking God’s presence in a new chapter of life, St. John’s is here to walk with you in faith and hope.
Life Events
Confirmation
Confirmation is a joyful and solemn milestone in the life of a baptized Christian. It is not a new sacrament, nor is it a “graduation” from church, but a public confession of the faith into which one was baptized. In Confirmation, young people (and sometimes adults) publicly confess the faith taught in Holy Scripture and summarized in Luther’s Small Catechism.
Through a period of careful instruction, confirmands are taught the chief parts of the Christian faith, including:
- The Ten Commandments
- The Apostles’ Creed
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Holy Baptism
- The Lord’s Supper
- Confession and Absolution
This instruction is centered in God’s Word, preparing students to understand and receive the gifts Christ gives in the Church, especially the Lord’s Supper.
On the day of Confirmation, students:
- Publicly confess their faith before God and the congregation
- Affirm the promises made at their Baptism
- Confess their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior
- Pledge, by God’s grace, to remain faithful to His Word
The congregation also makes a promise — to continue supporting, encouraging, and praying for these young Christians as they grow in faith.
Confirmation prepares baptized Christians for the faithful reception of the Lord’s Supper, where Christ gives His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. It marks not the end of learning, but the beginning of a mature life of hearing God’s Word, receiving His gifts, and living in daily repentance and faith.
Parents play a vital role in this process. Christian instruction begins in the home, and Confirmation classes support and deepen the faith nurtured by family worship, prayer, and regular participation in the Divine Service.
Those interested in Confirmation for their child — or adults seeking instruction in the Christian faith — are encouraged to contact the church office to speak with one of the pastors about upcoming classes and expectations. Contact details:
Phone: (608) 742-9000 option 4
Email: ministries@stjohnsportage.com
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred and honorable estate, instituted by God in Paradise before the fall into sin (Gen. 2:24–25). In marriage, we see a living picture of the communion between Christ and His bride, the Church (Eph. 5:32). Our Lord blessed and honored marriage with His presence at the wedding at Cana, and the apostle Paul commends it as good and honorable (1 Cor. 7:2).
Because marriage is a gift from God, it is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with God’s purposes. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended for:
- Mutual companionship, help, and support in both prosperity and adversity
- Delight and joy in one another, experienced in holiness and honor rather than lust
- Procreation and Christian nurture of children, raised in the fear and instruction of the Lord
Saint John’s Lutheran Church schedules weddings for those who are regularly and frequently in fellowship with the congregation (members or frequent participants).
To schedule a wedding, it is advisable to contact the church office upon engagement to check available dates before planning a reception. Contact details:
Phone: (608) 742-9000 option 4
Email: ministries@stjohnsportage.com
As a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Saint John’s holds to the Synod’s beliefs on marriage:
- Marriage is a sacred union of one man and one woman, ordained by God (Gen. 2:24–25).
- Marriage symbolizes the relationship between Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:32).
- Homosexual unions are contrary to God’s design and the Church will not officiate or host ceremonies inconsistent with this teaching (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:26–27; 1 Cor. 6:9–10; 1 Tim. 1:9–10).
Pastors of Saint John’s will only officiate marriages consistent with these teachings, and church property may not be used for ceremonies or activities contrary to these beliefs.
Funerals
The Christian Funeral at Saint John’s Lutheran Church is a public service of the Church and a confession of faith in Jesus Christ. Even in the face of death, we gather to proclaim the sure hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life.
Our funeral service is deeply connected to Holy Baptism, where the Christian life began. As Scripture teaches, we were buried with Christ through Baptism into death and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:1–11). For this reason:
- The service begins with the name of the Triune God spoken over the baptized.
- A pall may cover the casket as a reminder that the Christian is clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27).
- The Apostles’ Creed is confessed, boldly declaring our faith in “the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”
- Prayers and hymns proclaim the victory of Christ over sin and death.
In the sermon, the pastor proclaims Law and Gospel, speaking honestly about death while directing all comfort to Christ crucified and risen. The focus of every Christian funeral is not merely remembrance, but the public proclamation of Jesus’ saving work and the comfort found in His resurrection.
For the Christian, death is not the final word. Because Christ has died and risen, those who belong to Him will also rise (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14; John 11:25–26). The burial of the body is a reverent act of hope, awaiting the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Who May Receive a Christian Funeral
Saint John’s provides Christian funerals for:
- Members of the congregation in good standing
- Christians who regularly worship with us
Depending on circumstances and availability, one of our pastors may also conduct a funeral at a local funeral home for a Christian not formally connected to Saint John’s.
Only the called and ordained pastor(s) of Saint John’s normally conduct funeral services at the church.
Planning a Funeral
At the time of death, families should contact:
- Their preferred funeral home, and
- A pastor of Saint John’s
This should be done before finalizing service arrangements. The funeral director assists with logistical planning, while the pastor works closely with the family to select Scripture readings, hymns, and service details that faithfully proclaim Christ and reflect the Christian hope.
Pre-planning a funeral is highly encouraged, as it provides clarity and comfort for loved ones during a difficult time.
Saint John’s offers the Christian Life Center free of charge for members who wish to host a reception following the service. Families are responsible for the cleanup. For more information, please contact the church office:
Phone: (608) 742-9000 option 4
Email: ministries@stjohnsportage.com