We have lived through and continue to live through extraordinary times. COVID impeded our ability to gather since early 2020. We have, however, returned to in-person worship and welcome all of you to the table at Saint Peter Lutheran Church.
We do realize, however, that some of you are not comfortable with onsite, in-person worship. We are grateful to be able to offer hybrid worship where those at home can participate through an online connection. We want to be certain you can participate in Holy Communion when you worship at home. We are confident that Christ is present with you in a uniquely powerful way when you do.
The Spirit unites us with the Communion of Saints — those whose strong witness has shaped our ministry of love to each other and the communities we find ourselves in. Whether in the sanctuary or in your own home you receive, through this powerful meal, gifts of grace, forgiveness and eternal life from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We hope you will be touched and blessed by preparing for and celebrating this meal. However, if you choose not to participate, we support you in your decision, too. While others are receiving the bread and wine, you may feel free to reflect on God’s presence in your life and spend a few moments in quiet prayer.
Preparing For Communion At Home
Create your own worship space, have bread and wine/grape juice available and when the words of institution are spoken by the Pastor, hold the bread and the wine in your hands at the appropriate time. Any bread can be used for the meal and any juice or wine is appropriate as well. You might want to pour a small portion into small glasses ahead of time for each person who will be worshipping with you.
If you don’t have bread, crackers can also work. You are also welcome to make your own communion bread. Click here for a recipe from Luther Seminary.
Celebrating The Meal
Following the Lord’s Prayer, you are invited to share bread and wine. If there are others with you, you may gather in a circle and pass the bread from one person to another saying, “The body of Christ, given for you.” And then the wine, saying, “The blood of Christ, shed for you.”
After Worship
Traditionally, leftover communion elements — the bread and the wine (or juice) — are either eaten or returned to the earth. If you do not consume them, please take them outside and place them in your garden or on your lawn. It isn’t appropriate to throw them in the trash or down the drain.