Communion

Holy Communion was instituted by Jesus for forgiveness and to be a celebration of the unity we share with God and with one another.   In the bread and wine Jesus gives himself to those who eat.   In the eating and the drinking the Bible says we participate in the body and blood of Christ.   We come to God’s table for forgiveness.   He feeds us and we are blessed.

But we realize that over the years there have been situations in which this holy Sacrament was not a blessing.   The Bible says, “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. . . For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep (died).” (I Corinthians 11:27-30)   There are situations when people should not take part in Holy Communion.   And we as a church have a responsibility to you that your communing here at St. Peter is for blessing not for judgment.

• If you do not believe that the body and blood of Jesus are truly given to each person who eats-no matter what that person believes.   Many churches teach that the bread and wine only symbolize Jesus and one gets only what he believes.

• If you are not sorry for sin in your life or don’t understand the serious “life and death” nature of sin you ought not participate.

• If you are unsure of what it is we mean by Communion or disagree with major teachings of this church, please communicate with Pastor Heimsoth. You may call him or e-mail him to intitiate discussions.

While we want to invite you to share in the meal, that may not always be appropriate.   We thank you for respecting these teachings which we hold because we believe them to be what God teaches in the Bible.