The Lord's Supper is celebrated at Peace Lutheran Church every Lord's Day.
As we prepare for worship and Holy Communion, we examine ourselves regarding our confession and church membership. We believe that our Lord gives us His true body and blood to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and one another. In Christian love, we ask that anyone not yet instructed, in doubt, holding a church membership or confession differing from this congregation or the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), please speak with the Pastor before coming to the Sacrament.
When taking communion you may kneel or stand at the rail before the altar.
We returned to our normal communion practices with these modifications:
- We will continue to ask our congregation to pick up their service folders at the credenza in the Narthex.
- The offering plate will continue to be located at the rear of the church, so as to not handle or pass them during the service.
- Pastor and assisting Elders will continue to sanitize their hands before the Service of the Sacrament.
- Ushers will direct a pew to rise and move to the rail.
- Once you have received communion and the blessing, return to your pew.
- If you are unable to come to the rail, or if you would prefer to receive communion in your pew, remain in the pew when the ushers ask the people in your pew to move at the rail. At the end of communion, the Pastor will ask those remaining in their pew, desiring to receive communion to rise and the Pastor and assisting Elder will bring communion to those recipients.
We resumed coffee service after our worship service, and Bible study will begin at 10:30 in the dining hall.
God's Blessings,
Pastor and Elders
Closed Communion
The historic and loving practice of closed communion means that confirmed members of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod are welcome to commune at this altar. We desire those who commune here to be under the faithful pastoral care in our confession of faith. (Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Tim. 4:16)
Please know that our communion practice does not mean that we are judging any individual Christian’s faith or salvation. But sadly, not all Christian churches hold the same confession of faith. As a consequence of these divisions we see in Christianity, we cannot extend a general invitation to receive the Lord’s Supper.
Reception of Holy Communion by Christians that are not fully united with us in confession would imply a oneness which does not exist and for which we all pray. We hope you understand that our practice of closed communion is out of our love and concern for you. We would deeply regret it if you participated in something in which you will not fully agree unto the injury of your soul. Through communion, one is indicating that they agree with all that we believe, teach, and confess as Lutheran Christians. (1 Cor. 11:18-19, 29)
Closed communion is not about keeping people away from Jesus’ meal, but rather assisting people in coming to God’s Altar with a full and rich understanding of what Christ gives in this mean, (1 Cor. 11:27-29). The pastor would be happy to speak with you about communing at Peace in the future.
Hebrews 2:11-13 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." 13 And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." NI6