Holy Communion

(a.k.a. The Holy Eucharist)

Written by: Pastor Norman Staker,
Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA) - 2020

 

 

The Communion Liturgy

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: “Take, eat; this is My (†) body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me.”

In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying; “Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament of My (†) blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

Mathew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

 Last Supper

 

Policy and Practices

General practices in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA):
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its congregations practice open communion, meaning that Holy Communion is offered to all Christians who have confessed their sins and seek absolution.

Specific practice of Bethel Lutheran Church:
Ask yourself these queations; “God has welcomed me into the body of Christ? I trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior? I confess my sin and my need for God's grace? I desire to live a new life in Christ? I believe that Christ is truly present in this Sacrament with gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation? I declare my desire to come to the Lord's table?  If you can answer yes to all of these questions, you may partake of Holy Communion at Bethel Lutheran Church.