Our Understanding and Practice
Our congregation believes that Holy Communion is a gift of Christ to His Church. The apostle Paul wrote, "Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself" (I Corinthians 11:28-29). Out of loving concern for the communicants and from our understanding of the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, we request that those who commune here:
- Be baptized Christians.
- Have received special instruction on the essence and significance of the Lord's Supper.
- Are mature enough to examine themselves, recognizing their sin and their need for God's grace through his special means.
- Profess the "real presence" of Christ in this Sacrament, that is, confessing the true presence of Christ's body in the bread and His blood in the wine.
- Have faith in the Savior's words, "Given and shed for you."
- Recognize that participation at our table indicates public agreement with our understanding of this blessed Sacrament.
We request all communicants to join us in acknowledging the preceding affirmation of our understanding of the Holy Communion. Noncommuning children may join their parents. They are to fold their hands and bow their heads for a blessing. If you have questions, you may call the church office to meet with the pastor.
Communion is held on the first and third Sundays of every month at both services. On the first Sunday of each month at 2:00p, communion is offered to those with special mobility needs.
Membership in this family of believers is obtained by going through the Basic Christianity 101 Class for adults, or Youth Confirmation for 6th-8th graders.