Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Middleville, Michigan
Our Practice of Closed Communion
Guests and Holy Communion:
Holy Communion is a gift Christ gives to His Church. In it, He offers His true Body and Blood, in, with and under the bread and wine. When received in faith, it brings forgiveness, new life and salvation. Holy Communion is also a statement of our unity in Christ (community). Those who receive the Lord’s Supper at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church are baptized Christians who have been instructed in and publicly confess the Evangelical Lutheran faith. For this reason only members of our congregation or sister congregations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are ordinarily communed at this altar. If you have any questions regarding the doctrine of Close Communion, please talk to the pastor before or after the service.
Good Shepherd's Bulletin Statement:
Holy Communion is celebrated today. In obedience to God's Word, (Romans 16:17, 2 John 1:10-11) the congregations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod have promised to practice closed communion. Guests are therefore asked to speak with the pastor before the service, should they desire to commune. Our faith is not exclusive, but God says we should have unity in faith (which communion expresses). This great gift gives us this great responsibility. Please respect our position of love in this matter of pastoral care.
Bo Giertz on Liturgy and Spiritual Awakening
Pres. Kieschnick's Statement on ELCA Action
Worshipping with angels and archangels and all the company of heaven.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 908 W. Main Middleville, MI 49333 269.795.2391 goodshepherdlcms@gmail.com