Private/Individual Confession

In the Lutheran Church, Confession and absolution (The Office of the Keys) is the method given by Christ to the Church by which believers may receive the forgiveness of sins.  Along with corporate confession, in which we prepare ourselves for the Divine Service, we also practice private confession.  Private/individual confession is when confession and absolution is done in private to the pastor, and the Pastor announces the words of absolution. Private confession is voluntary, but encouraged.  A brief order for private confession can be found in Lutheran Service Book, pgs 292-293, as well as in the current edition of Luther’s Small Catechism pg. 26-29, and 217-223.  If you would like to receive private confession, please feel to contact Pastor Bergstrazer so that we may set up a time to do so.