Our Practice of Closed Communion
According to God's Word, the Lord's Supper is both God's gift and our confession. God gives into the mouths of all who partake of this sacrament Christ's true body and blood under real bread and wine. He gives to those who believe Christ's teaching concerning His Supper, forgiveness, life and salvation. Those who do not believe, eat and drink Christ's body and blood to their spiritually harm (1 Corinthians 11:29).
The disciples of our Lord taught, furthermore, and we believe, that the Lord's Supper signifies a oneness in faith, that is, Christ's doctrine in all its articles. Participation in the Holy Communion at this altar by Christians not fully united with us in this same faith would imply a oneness which does not exist, and for which we all pray.
We therefore invite all who are confirmed members in good standing of a congregation in full doctrinal fellowship with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) to partake of Christ's Supper with us after announcing their desire to the pastor or an elder.
Those who are not members of a congregation of the LCMS or of a congregation in fellowship with us or who are not yet instructed in this faith, may speak to the pastor after the service about the opportunity to commune with us in the future.
We thank you for respecting our position of love in this matter of pastoral care.