Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper, The Eucharist, The Sacrament of the Altar) is celebrated every Sunday at every worship service at Gloria Dei.
Along with Baptism, we call Holy Communion a Sacrament, that is, commanded by Jesus, with an earthly element (bread and wine), and a promise – the forgiveness of sins.
Who can participate?
All who believe Jesus is truly present in this Sacrament are welcome. Gloria Dei practices “open Communion.” If a person chooses not to receive the bread and wine, they are still welcome to come forward for a blessing. Also, for young children, who have not received First Communion instruction, they too are welcome to come forward for a blessing. The pastors offer an invitation with instructions at each celebration of the Sacrament. As a practical health matter, grape juice is also offered (center cups) and a gluten free wafer is available (speak with a pastor).
First Communion Instruction is offered every year during the Season of Lent. Young children and a parent meet with the pastors. Please call the church office or watch the Newsletter or Bulletin for dates and details.
Martin Luther wrote the following about Holy Communion in his Small Catechism:
What is the benefit of such eating and drinking?
The words “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sin” show us that forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given in the sacrament through these words, because where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
How can bodily eating and drinking do such a great thing?
Eating and drinking certainly do not do it, but rather the words that are recorded: “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sin.” These words, when accompanied by the physical eating and drinking, are the essential thing in the sacrament, and whoever believes these words has what they declare and state, namely, “forgiveness of sin.”
Who, then receives this sacrament worthily?
Fasting and bodily preparation are in fact a fine external discipline, but a person who has faith in these words, “given for you” and “shed for you for the forgiveness of sin,” is really worthy and well prepared.”