We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday and at special services throughout the Church Year. Those are listed on our calendar.
The traditional Lutheran understanding of communion seems foreign to our American sensibilities. Whatever else one believes about Holy Communion, it is commonly regarded first and foremost as an act of hospitality. According to this view, the practice of closed communion appears unfriendly, rude, and perhaps even judgmental.
We have a different understanding – one that requires us to deny communion to those we do not know. And we are well aware that visitors to our congregation can find this unwelcoming.
We do not wish anyone ever to feel unwelcome or disregarded. At the same time, the difficulty is born of doctrinal division. The Scriptures teach us to see our communing together as an expression of unity.
We are glad to have visitors, and we ask that you speak to Pastor McCall before the service to introduce yourself and announce your desire to receive the Lord’s Supper. While we are always happy to welcome those of another doctrinal confession, i.e. beliefs, to join us for worship, participation in the mystery of Christ’s bodily presence in Holy Communion is for those who confess the same doctrine with us. This means that if you are a faithful member of a congregation of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), then you likely will be welcomed to commune at our altar. If your church membership lies outside the LCMS, you will not be able to receive Holy Communion here until your public confession (membership) and belief are in unity with what we confess. You are encouraged to meet with the pastor if you’re interested in being a part of our congregation and he’ll gladly help you get prepared to commune at Our Savior by whatever means are necessary, which will at least include Adult/New Member Catechesis.
We realize that this view of Holy Communion feels wrong to many Christians. We ask, however, that you would respect our wishes and get to know us. Our deepest desire is not to commune alone. We want you to join us. But we want you to join us understanding what it is you are getting into and what it means to be a part of our family. True Christian love comes from God and is born out of unity in doctrine, understanding, and purpose.
If these obstacles seem like too much for you and you would like to talk about them, please don’t hesitate to contact Our Savior. We welcome the conversation.