Worship at Zion

ABOUT HOLY COMMUNION

The Holy Communion was called the medicine of immortality by Christians of old. Like any medicine it can be received to one’s benefit or to one’s harm.

Out of Christian love and concern that no one receive the Sacrament to his or her harm (1 Corinthians 1:27-32, we only commune those:

(1) who have been instructed in what our church believes, especially as it is taught in Luther’s Small Catechism, and

(2) who have made public profession of that faith by membership in a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

Those not instructed in our faith and who have not made public profession of that faith by church membership are kindly asked not to eat and drink of the Sacrament.

ANY Christian is welcome to come forward at the Communion to receive the blessing. If you are present to receive a blessing, but NOT to eat and drink the Sacrament, please fold your arms across your breast and bow your head. If offered the Lord’s body or blood to eat and drink, gently shake your head.

If you are interested in learning what the Lutheran Church believes, teaches, and confesses, please inquire of Pastor regarding catechism classes.

How is Holy Communion celebrated at Zion? An extended answer in three parts from Pastor Roger James

Part 1: Who should receive Christ's Body and Blood at all? (9/14/08)

Part 2: Who should receive Christ's Body and Blood together? (9/21/08)

Part 3: Communion Oversight and the Waning of Pastoral Care in the LCMS (9/28/08)

Further Reading on Closed Communion Pastor Klemet Preus

Part 1: Communion: Close or Closed?

Part 2: Do We Really Practice Closed Communion in the LCMS?

Part 3: The Importance of Closed Communion

Part 4: Why Pastors Practice Open Communion?

Part 5: Closed Communion: Forcing the Body to be a Body