| The Sacrament of the Altar (The Lord's Supper; Holy Communion) |
 |
| Here at Bethlehem/St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, we gather on Sunday mornings to worship our Triune God- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In addition to hearing God's Holy Word vigorously proclaimed, our Lord Jesus servcs us by inviting us forward to receive His body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. We Celebrate the Lord's Supper every 2nd and 4th Sunday Also on many holidays, such as Easter, Christmas, Pentecost, Ascension, etc. |
| Communion Policy The Lord's Supper is celebrated at our congregations in the confession and glad confidence that, as He says, our Lord gives into our mouths not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another. Our Lord invites to His table those who trust His words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us. Furthermore, in keeping with the doctrine and practice of our church body, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we practice Close Communion. That is, we normally offer Holy Communion only to those with whom we are close in belief. Therefore, except in cases of emergency and pastoral care, we invite forward only those who are members of (or in official fellowship with) our Synod. This is not to say that all others are not Christians, but it is to recognize that there are differences of teaching among us, not only in Holy Communion itself, but in other areas as well. We believe that Close Communion is prompted not by a spirit of judgmentalism or separatism, but rather a Biblical spirit of love and concern for our fellow Christians whom we believe to be in serious error. If you are not a member of an LC-MS congregation, are in doubt, or hold a confession differing from our congregations, and yet desire to receive the Sacrament, please speak first with the Pastor before coming forward to the Supper. If you wish only to receive a blessing, keep your hands folded at the railing as a cue to the Pastor. May the peace of the crucified and risen Jesus be with you always. [Home] [Worship with Us] [Site map- explore further!] |
 |
 |