On September 14 and October 5 at 10am in the Cafe Bistraud, conversations will be held as we explore together the possibility of celebrating weekly Holy Communion at Temple Lutheran Church. Please take time to participate in one or both of these conversations. As you prayerfully reflect on this important matter, Pastor Matt offers the following thoughts to consider.
FROM THE PASTOR: Weekly Holy Communion?
Over the years, I have been a part of congregations that celebrate Holy Communion weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and only occasionally. What has been most interesting to me is that the congregations and traditions that celebrate the sacrament most frequently and least frequently both do so for the same reason. In both situations, Holy Communion is considered a very special meal—a sacred experience. For some, such events are held less often in hopes of maintaining their high importance. For others, something so very special must be done as often as possible.
I have found that same diversity of approaches among people here at Temple Lutheran Church. Several members have expressed a desire for weekly Holy Communion. Some have wondered why we have Holy Communion so often already. Many have indicated that they are content in our current practice. As we make time for reflection on the role of Holy Communion in our community, I am hopeful that we will affirm both our connection to the larger Lutheran tradition and the many ways that God comes to us in this meal.
What is our Lutheran tradition?
At the origin of Lutheranism in the 16th Century, congregations celebrated Holy Communion every Sunday and festival. Our church body today (ELCA) still holds this same practice as the norm. Members of ELCA congregations are “encouraged to make the sacrament a frequent rather than an occasional part of their lives.”
Our tradition defines “the church” as people gathered around Word & Sacrament. We believe that the Word of God and the sacraments are the means through which God gives us the Holy Spirit.
Our current worship book, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, calls Holy Communion “the principal service of Christian worship” and affirms that “a weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper is the norm.” This is because we believe that the church needs this sacrament. It is around the table of Holy Communion that the our fellowship with each other is established and our mission to serve our neighbor is nourished and sustained.
What will our local tradition be?
For most of our history, Temple Lutheran Church has celebrated Holy Communion less often than the norm of the Lutheran tradition. At no time was this because Holy Communion was considered unimportant or because of disagreement with the Lutheran tradition. Less frequent celebration of Holy Communion was consistent with the practice of other local congregations, including many other Lutheran congregations. In more recent years, many Lutheran congregations have reaffirmed the norm of weekly communion.
Believing that Holy Communion is both a central practice of our Christian faith and a foundation for our hope in God’s promises, I will present the following resolution to our congregation council at their October 2008 meeting: LET IT BE RESOLVED that Holy Communion be celebrated weekly at every regularly-scheduled worship service of Temple Lutheran Church.
Who makes this decision?
Decisions in our church body (ELCA) are made on three levels: churchwide (national), synod, and in congregations. The churchwide leadership along with our synod leadership affirms the importance of weekly Holy Communion and asks us to decide as a congregation. In my role as pastor, I also encourage this congregation to practice weekly communion. As a congregation, we have chosen the members of our congregation council to prayerfully make decisions that shape our ongoing mission. I have full confidence in the ability of our congregation council to faithfully discern where God is leading us and, with God’s help, to make important decisions such as this one.
OWNING THE VISION: You are a Part of this Conversation...
Please take time between now and October 5th to prayerfully share your support, questions or concerns about this matter with the pastor or a member of council. The pastor will host discussions in the Café Bistraud September 14 & October 5 between worship services. Some disagreement is expected and welcome. For the sake of building a strong and healthy community, anonymous comments cannot be considered. The pastor can also be reached at (610) 446-3270 or by email (preferred) at pastor@templelutheran.org.
