Our belief is that Jesus Christ is truly present in, with, and under the Bread and the wine of Holy communion. It is impossible to fully understand how Christ's body is present in the elements of communion, therefore, it is an act of faith to receive communion believing in Jesus' promise that "this is my body, this is my blood...given and shed for you." Communion is received for the forgiveness of sin and for strength for the daily Christian walk.

Holy Communion is known by a number of names all meaning the same thing -- the reception of the body and blood of Jesus in, with, and under the bread and the wine. You might hear Holy Communion referred to as: The Lord's Supper - the Last Supper -- The Sacrament -- The Eucharist (from the Greek word meaning: grateful, thankful, thanksgiving).

In explaining Holy Communion, Martin Luther said it best when he said, "...finite capax infiniti" (the finite can contain the infinite). We will never fully understand how Jesus is present in the bread and wine of Communion -- we do not need to. All that we need to believe and understand is that Jesus is present because that is where he wants to be, the body and blood are given and shed for us and that we receive forgiveness of sin through the sacrament. Holy Communion is a viable expression of God's love for us.

We believe that Holy Communion is God's unconditional gift to all creation. Jesus offered love, forgiveness and reconciliation without condition, so too, we offer the the gift of Holy Communion without condition. All are invited to commune with us regardless of age, church background, or faith tradition.

There is not need to "check in" with the pastor and you need not be a member of a Lutheran congregation, or any faith community, to communion with us. There is no "examination" of worthiness before one is welcomed to the Lord's Table. Messiah has an "open table" policy concerning communion. If you wish to receive, you may.

Messiah also communes children of all ages as long as their parents approve. Those children receiving the sacrament may indicate their desire by holding their hands out so that the pastor knows to commune them.

For those not ready to commune, a blessing is offered asking God's gracious and merciful presence in the life of those who come forward.

For those who do not prefer wine, white grape juice is also offered. Additionally, since we believe that Jesus is fully present in the bread and wine, one can be assured of the complete benefit of the sacrament with either the bread or the wine alone.

For those parents who desire that their children receive instruction prior to receiving communion, Pastor does schedule classes on a "as needed" basis. You may contact Pastor O'Berg to set up a time to meet with you and your child.