Statement on Holy Communion Reception

Our worship service is open to all; however, as a matter of faith, we pratice “closed” communion.  The Lord’s Supper is celebrated at this congregation in the confession and confidence that in Jesus’ own words He gives into our mouths not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and to drink for the forgiveness of our sins.   In the sharing of this Holy meal together, forgiveness is given, faith is strengthened, and our love for one another is nurtured.  Our Lord invites to His table those who are repentant of their sin and who trust in his words “given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.”

St. Paul gives a solemn warning to those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood in an unworthy manner.  That is, the person receives communion not believing what is truly given and receiving with an unrepentant heart; these do so to their great harm (1 Cor 11:27-30).  because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith which is confessed at this altar, anyone who is not yet instructed, who are in doubt, or who hold a confession differing from that of this congregation and yet desire to receive the sacrament, are asked first to speak with the pastor or an elder.