The Lord’s Supper at Gethsemane

Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, is one of the central gifts Christ gives to His Church. At Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, we receive this gift every Sunday as part of our worship.

In Communion, Jesus gives His true body and blood, together with the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of faith, and the assurance of His grace.

Christ’s Real Presence

Lutherans believe that Jesus is truly present in Holy Communion.

This means that:

  • The bread and wine are not just symbols
  • Jesus’ true body and blood are truly given and received
  • Christ Himself serves us through this meal

This belief is based on Jesus’ own words: “This is my body” and “This is my blood.”

Given for You

Holy Communion is a gift from Christ to His people.

In the Lord’s Supper, God gives:

  • Forgiveness of sins
  • Strength for faith
  • Comfort for troubled consciences
  • Unity with Christ and His Church

This is not something we do for God, but something God does for us.

Why We Practice Closed Communion

At Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, we follow the historic Christian practice of closed communion.

This means that those who receive Communion at our altar are in full agreement with what the Bible teaches and what we confess as a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregation.

We practice closed communion because:

  • Communion is a confession of shared belief, not just a personal act
  • Scripture calls us to unity in doctrine as well as fellowship
  • We want to care for the spiritual well-being of those who receive

For these reasons, we ask that visitors speak with the pastor before coming to the Lord’s Supper.

A Word for Our Guests

If you are visiting Gethsemane, we are truly glad you are here.

If you have questions about Communion or would like to receive the Lord’s Supper, we invite you to speak with the pastor before the service. He will be glad to talk with you, answer your questions, and help you understand our practice.

If you are not receiving Communion, you are still invited to come forward for a blessing or remain seated in prayer.

Weekly Communion at Gethsemane

We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday because we believe it is one of the primary ways Christ delivers His grace to His people.

Each week, we gather at the Lord’s Table to:

  • Receive forgiveness
  • Be strengthened in faith
  • Be reminded of Christ’s promises

This regular reception of the Sacrament is an important part of our life together as a church.

Faithful to the Historic Church

Our understanding and practice of Holy Communion are not new or unique. They are rooted in the teachings of Scripture and the historic Christian Church.

Christians throughout history have recognized:

  • The real presence of Christ in the Sacrament
  • The importance of proper teaching and unity
  • The seriousness and joy of receiving the Lord’s Supper

We continue this practice today in faithfulness to God’s Word.