The Lord's Supper

Saint John’s celebrates The Lord’s Supper, knowing that “it is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and drink.” In this meal, we receive the forgiveness of sins. It strengthens our union with Christ and one another. Our Lord invites to his table those baptized and instructed Christians who trust his words, repent of all sin, and forgive and love others as He forgives and loves us.

Holy Communion is also a public testimony of our unity of faith. Please speak to the pastor before communing if you intend to receive the sacrament, but you are not a member of this congregation or a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Because those who eat and drink our Lord’s body and blood unworthily do so to their great harm, all individuals who commune should first spiritually examine and prepare themselves before communing. A self-examination includes the following questions:

* Do I believe I am a sinner?

* Do I, by the power of the Holy Spirit, believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior?

* Do I believe Jesus’ own words that I receive His true body and true blood in this meal?

* Do I, by the Holy Spirit, intend to change my sinful ways (repent)?

If you cannot say “yes” to these questions, please speak with the pastor privately before attending the Lord’s Supper.

LUTHER'S CATECHISM on THE LORD'S SUPPER