Communion every other Sunday?

[WirSindBettler]

And then they quote Luther, saying that a Christian should celebrate a few times a year to be called a Christian, so weekly is not necessary.

It's pretty un-confessional though.

"Now, forasmuch as the Mass is such a giving of the Sacrament, we hold one communion every holy-day, [also translated as Sunday; surely the Sabbath is a "holy-day"] and, if any desire the Sacrament, also on other days, when it is given to such as ask for it. And this custom is not new in the Church; for the Fathers before Gregory make no mention of any private Mass, but of the common Mass [the Communion] they speak very much. Chrysostom says that the priest stands daily at the altar, inviting some to the Communion and keeping back others." -AC XXIV

"We are to force no one to believe, or to receive the Sacrament, nor fix any law, nor time, nor place for it, but are to preach in such a manner that of their own accord, without our law, they will urge themselves and, as it were, compel us pastors to administer the Sacrament. This is done by telling them: Whoever does not seek or desire the Sacrament at least some four times a year, it is to be feared that he despises the Sacrament and is no Christian, just as he is no Christian who does not believe or hear the Gospel; for Christ did not say, This omit, or, This despise, but, This do ye, as oft as ye drink it, etc. Verily, He wants it done, and not entirely neglected and despised. This do ye, He says." -SC Preface

"Therefore it [the Eucharist] is given for a daily pasture and sustenance, that faith may refresh and strengthen itself so as not to fall back in such a battle, but become ever stronger and stronger [...] In conclusion, since we have now the true understanding and doctrine of the Sacrament, there is indeed need of some admonition and exhortation, that men may not let so great a treasure which is daily administered and distributed among Christians pass by unheeded, that is, that those who would be Christians make ready to receive this venerable Sacrament often." -LC VII

There is no command that one must take communion every week, or even that one must take it every time it's offered. Many churches have adopted every other week communion in response to those who say it's a sin if you don't offer/take it every week. It's our pietist roots, I suppose.

This is true, but the practice of administering the Lord's Supper every few weeks is pretty un-confessional (as shown above).

Also, you forget about the whole circuit system origin of taking Communion every few weeks.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

By the confessions, the churches ought to be offering communion daily, if you want to go the literal route (which is, again, part of the reason many churches only offer it every other week).

Any church not doing this, by your definition then, would not be confessional.

And that's pretty much why I refrain from calling a church confessional based on whether they offer communion weekly or not. Many heterodox churches offer communion weekly but it doesn't make them confessional.

I don't understand what you're referring to when you say "whole circuit system origin". Can you explain that please?

 

[WirSindBettler]

By the confessions, the churches ought to be offering communion daily, if you want to go the literal route (which is, again, part of the reason many churches only offer it every other week).

I would love to see daily Communion offered. There is no commandment that Congregations need to, however.

Any church not doing this, by your definition then, would not be confessional.

I never said that. As I had posted, the Confessions say, "We are to force no one to believe, or to receive the Sacrament, nor fix any law, nor time, nor place for it, but are to preach in such a manner that of their own accord, without our law, they will urge themselves and, as it were, compel us pastors to administer the Sacrament." -SC Preface

And that's pretty much why I refrain from calling a church confessional based on whether they offer communion weekly or not. Many heterodox churches offer communion weekly but it doesn't make them confessional.

I never insinuated that the churches were un-confessional, but rather that the practice of non-weekly communion tended to be.

I don't understand what you're referring to when you say "whole circuit system origin". Can you explain that please?

Many Lutheran churches (and many American Protestant churches as well), particularly in the American West, where I grew up, were founded on the circuit system.

With pioneers continually pushing westward and not enough Pastors to staff the numerous congregations that began to pop up, a Circuit Pastor would be ordained, traveling along a circuit (one town on a certain Sunday, another on the next, usually repeating once a month), thus making it to a single congregation usually once or twice a month, and by extension ensuring an ordained Pastor at every congregation of a specific Synod in a certain region.

This practice is still retained in the LCMS, and even though we have our regular stationary Pastors, every so often we have the Circuit Pastor come and preach/officiate.

Note that this was not only common in the West, but also in the early years of the Synod, when you would have Lutherans who wanted to join establishing congregations throughout the Midwest, and only so many Pastors to service them.

Thus, to this day, certain congregations only take communion once or twice a month because that was the only time historically that they would have a called and ordained Pastor to officiate.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I would love to see daily Communion offered. There is no commandment that Congregations need to, however.

I never said that. As I had posted, the Confessions say, "We are to force no one to believe, or to receive the Sacrament, nor fix any law, nor time, nor place for it, but are to preach in such a manner that of their own accord, without our law, they will urge themselves and, as it were, compel us pastors to administer the Sacrament." -SC Preface

I never insinuated that the churches were un-confessional, but rather that the practice of non-weekly communion tended to be.

It stands to reason that if a church is practicing non-confessional doctrines and teachings, that it cannot be confessional.

Many Lutheran churches (and many American Protestant churches as well), particularly in the American West, where I grew up, were founded on the circuit system.

With pioneers continually pushing westward and not enough Pastors to staff the numerous congregations that began to pop up, a Circuit Pastor would be ordained, traveling along a circuit (one town on a certain Sunday, another on the next, usually repeating once a month), thus making it to a single congregation usually once or twice a month, and by extension ensuring an ordained Pastor at every congregation of a specific Synod in a certain region.

This practice is still retained in the LCMS, and even though we have our regular stationary Pastors, every so often we have the Circuit Pastor come and preach/officiate.

Note that this was not only common in the West, but also in the early years of the Synod, when you would have Lutherans who wanted to join establishing congregations throughout the Midwest, and only so many Pastors to service them.

Thus, to this day, certain congregations only take communion once or twice a month because that was the only time historically that they would have a called and ordained Pastor to officiate.

Thank you for that. Makes sense. Yes, this was part of the reasoning as well.

 

[Edial]

It stands to reason that if a church is practicing non-confessional doctrines and teachings, that it cannot be confessional.



Thank you for that. Makes sense. Yes, this was part of the reasoning as well.

Oh, I know you would not mind participating every week.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Oh, I know you would not mind participating every week.

I would definitely take weekly communion if it was offered.

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

I would definitely take weekly communion if it was offered.

PERHAPS you could discuss this with your pastor


That's what I did. When I first attended Lutheran churches, I found it.... odd..... that Lutherans are so sacramental and so passionately hold to Real Presence and yet (in the handful of parishes I attended) did not offer it each Sunday. I remember I even brought that to the Lutheran forum here at CF.

I did not consider this a "deal breaker" but long before I was confirmed, I discussed it with my pastor PRIVATELY ( I make a HUGE point of discussing all these matters PRIVATELY and respectfully). My pastor related to me a long history of how this issue has evolved in Lutheranism and shared his OWN view that it should be offered each Sunday (and he felt things in Lutheranism were moving slowly in that direction). I found him in complete agreement..... It seemed the "issue" was a rather resolute Altar Guild that operated under the "How WE'VE always done it" rubric. He had brought the issue up and met that wall - rather firmly. He later brought it up to the Elders and it just didn't seem to resonate. NOT wishing to make THAT a battle line, he dropped it.

I ASKED him if he WANTED me to bring it up. His counsel to me was to wait until after I was Confirmed and a part of things. I accepted his counsel on this (I would have even if I didn't agree with it.... it's called respect).

Probably 3 years or so later, I brought it up at a Sunday Bible Study - and found (much to my delight) a LOT of support among the 20 or so participants (which included all the Elders and most of the Council).

I met with the pastor PRIVATELY soon thereafter. TOGETHER, he decided to do a Bible study on the Eucharist (including practice issues) AND a special two-part Sermon on this. After this, I asked to address the Board of Elders (I'm on the Church Council but I'm not an Elder) - and that was welcomed. The pastor was there, and he knew I was going to bring up us going to every-Sunday. The chairman did, too. Anyway, I was very careful, I thought through my words carefully - expecting some resistence - but the opposite was the case. I think they were going to go to every Sunday Communion even if I hadn't attended the meeting at all - they looked to the pastor after I spoke, he strongly supported it. And they voted without exception to do it. At first the motion was to do it for 3 months ("and see the response") but then the Chair motioned to remove the 3 months thing, "If it's the right thing to do, then it's the right thing for more than 3 months" he said.

THE ISSUE, I learned, was no more complicated than the 2 ladies in the altar guild not wanted to do set up/clean up every week. CRAZY HOW SOME ISSUES ARE....... SIMPLE. So, I offered my services to the Board of Elders. I said I'd be more than willing to either set it up or clean it up every week. One of those two ladies was the wife of one of the elders, who said he'd pass on the offer. I got a phone call (very nice, btw) thanking me and saying it would be most helpful if I'd do the set up. She was very nice and explained that if I ever couldn't do it for whatever reason - just call her. She was very appreciatative for the help. So, every Sunday (and for special things like Ash Wednesday), I come early and set it up. No big deal - I only set up for 60 (ours is a tiny parish) - it takes no time. I've seen taken up getting the supplies (I just buy them) and the ladies have been very appreciatative of that too.

When we started doing this - NOT ONE, not even ONE person said ANYTHING negative about it. Not one. And a LOT of people came forward to say they appreciated it, and some to say they'd always wondered why we did it only on about half the Sundays.


Anyway, work within the system and "was is" of your parish...... talk to the pastor...... perhaps be willing to help make it so......



Thank you!


Pax


- Josiah

 

[Mrs Awesome]

PERHAPS you could discuss this with your pastor


That's what I did. When I first attended Lutheran churches, I found it.... odd..... that Lutherans are so sacramental and so passionately hold to Real Presence and yet (in the handful of parishes I attended) did not offer it each Sunday. I remember I even brought that to the Lutheran forum here at CF.

I did not consider this a "deal breaker" but long before I was confirmed, I discussed it with my pastor PRIVATELY ( I make a HUGE point of discussing all these matters PRIVATELY and respectfully). My pastor related to me a long history of how this issue has evolved in Lutheranism and shared his OWN view that it should be offered each Sunday (and he felt things in Lutheranism were moving slowly in that direction). I found him in complete agreement..... It seemed the "issue" was a rather resolute Altar Guild that operated under the "How WE'VE always done it" rubric. He had brought the issue up and met that wall - rather firmly. He later brought it up to the Elders and it just didn't seem to resonate. NOT wishing to make THAT a battle line, he dropped it.

I ASKED him if he WANTED me to bring it up. His counsel to me was to wait until after I was Confirmed and a part of things. I accepted his counsel on this (I would have even if I didn't agree with it.... it's called respect).

Probably 3 years or so later, I brought it up at a Sunday Bible Study - and found (much to my delight) a LOT of support among the 20 or so participants (which included all the Elders and most of the Council).

I met with the pastor PRIVATELY soon thereafter. TOGETHER, he decided to do a Bible study on the Eucharist (including practice issues) AND a special two-part Sermon on this. After this, I asked to address the Board of Elders (I'm on the Church Council but I'm not an Elder) - and that was welcomed. The pastor was there, and he knew I was going to bring up us going to every-Sunday. The chairman did, too. Anyway, I was very careful, I thought through my words carefully - expecting some resistence - but the opposite was the case. I think they were going to go to every Sunday Communion even if I hadn't attended the meeting at all - they looked to the pastor after I spoke, he strongly supported it. And they voted without exception to do it. At first the motion was to do it for 3 months ("and see the response") but then the Chair motioned to remove the 3 months thing, "If it's the right thing to do, then it's the right thing for more than 3 months" he said.

THE ISSUE, I learned, was no more complicated than the 2 ladies in the altar guild not wanted to do set up/clean up every week. CRAZY HOW SOME ISSUES ARE....... SIMPLE. So, I offered my services to the Board of Elders. I said I'd be more than willing to either set it up or clean it up every week. One of those two ladies was the wife of one of the elders, who said he'd pass on the offer. I got a phone call (very nice, btw) thanking me and saying it would be most helpful if I'd do the set up. She was very nice and explained that if I ever couldn't do it for whatever reason - just call her. She was very appreciatative for the help. So, every Sunday (and for special things like Ash Wednesday), I come early and set it up. No big deal - I only set up for 60 (ours is a tiny parish) - it takes no time. I've seen taken up getting the supplies (I just buy them) and the ladies have been very appreciatative of that too.

When we started doing this - NOT ONE, not even ONE person said ANYTHING negative about it. Not one. And a LOT of people came forward to say they appreciated it, and some to say they'd always wondered why we did it only on about half the Sundays.


Anyway, work within the system and "was is" of your parish...... talk to the pastor...... perhaps be willing to help make it so......



Thank you!


Pax


- Josiah

Bravo!

I have this whole time insisted people speak with their pastor privately about the matter. This topic is a wonderful learning/talking point for the entire congregation. And as others (including yourself) have also stated, this matter is a very simple one and doesn't ruffle feathers like many think it will.

Thanks for being a positive example in this matter.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

PERHAPS you could discuss this with your pastor

Ha!

Yes, we've discussed it. We still discuss it even now...but...

He's brought it up with the council and elders. Our church is slow to change. There's other reasons as well, but it basically boils down to the idea that it's just not enough to rattle the dust around. IOW - it's not the mountain my husband wishes to bank his ministry on. He knows first hand that it will ruffle feathers.

I admire those who seek to change the church from the inside. Luther would be proud.

 

[atonement511]

I actually asked the LCMS Pr. in my neighborhood parish why his parish would not be celebrating the Mass on Pentecost, he stated it does not fall on one of the Sundays we have it. LAME! I figured a Holy Day such as Pentecost, in a parish that has a Pr. would be almost in the wrong for NOT celebrating! LOL. I'm starting to wonder what I am getting myself into...j/k.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

I actually asked the LCMS Pr. in my neighborhood parish why his parish would not be celebrating the Mass on Pentecost, he stated it does not fall on one of the Sundays we have it. LAME! I figured a Holy Day such as Pentecost, in a parish that has a Pr. would be almost in the wrong for NOT celebrating! LOL. I'm starting to wonder what I am getting myself into...j/k.

LOL I can tell you're not Lutheran. Using the words "mass" and "parish" gave ya away.

I'm also guessing you didn't ask an LCMS pastor about Pentecost because we DO celebrate it. This year, it will be celebrated on May 24th. Readings from Ezekial, Psalms, Acts, and John will be read. Here is a link to the LCMS calendars for the 2014/2015 church year (http://www.lcms.org/resources/worship/lectionary). As you see, it's there and it is celebrated. So, I'm really confused as to why this so-called LCMS pastor would say such a thing. Either he is NOT indeed LCMS or he was confused by the question or something ... LOL

Hope this helps!

 

[atonement511]

LOL I can tell you're not Lutheran. Using the words "mass" and "parish" gave ya away.

I'm also guessing you didn't ask an LCMS pastor about Pentecost because we DO celebrate it. This year, it will be celebrated on May 24th. Readings from Ezekial, Psalms, Acts, and John will be read. Here is a link to the LCMS calendars for the 2014/2015 church year (http://www.lcms.org/resources/worship/lectionary). As you see, it's there and it is celebrated. So, I'm really confused as to why this so-called LCMS pastor would say such a thing. Either he is NOT indeed LCMS or he was confused by the question or something ... LOL

Hope this helps!

Well, I am taking cthe adult formation classes at the LCMS parish in my neighborhood, the celebration of Pentecost is indeed celebrated, but I didn't understand why the Eucharist was not. Seems like a pretty big day to forgo the Eucharist. As for the terms used, yes, I am not a Lutheran yet, but have found these terms used amongst Lutherans and in the confessions. I don't see changing my vocab. Any time soon. Yes, I call the PR. Father as well, he does not seem to care. In a Latino catholic town, I'm sure im not the only one. Lol

 

[Sword of the Lord]

I say parish and mass... After all, falsely we are accused of abolishing the mass.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

Well, I am taking cthe adult formation classes at the LCMS parish in my neighborhood, the celebration of Pentecost is indeed celebrated, but I didn't understand why the Eucharist was not. Seems like a pretty big day to forgo the Eucharist. As for the terms used, yes, I am not a Lutheran yet, but have found these terms used amongst Lutherans and in the confessions. I don't see changing my vocab. Any time soon. Yes, I call the PR. Father as well, he does not seem to care. In a Latino catholic town, I'm sure im not the only one. Lol

I'm sorry, I did not mean to offend with what I said. I was just making a friendly joke.

As stated above by myself and by others, choosing when to have Communion is a congregation to congregation thing. There is no right or wrong time or amount of times to have Communion. The LCMS church I am currently a part of has Communion every Sunday, so we will be having it for Pentecost. However, all of my other LCMS churches only had Communion every-other-Sunday. There is no right or wrong way. Having Communion on a specific Sunday or not (Pentecost in this case) does not make that day any more special or any less special. Jesus merely said to practice Communion, he did not say how often.

I am glad you are taking the adult classes at your new LCMS church. You will definitely learn a lot! As you continue your classes, you will notice that there are many differences between your old religion and your new one. I hope you enjoy the classes!

 

[atonement511]

oh, I didn't take offence at all! no worries! I actually just got back from meeting with the pastor, about as formal as it gets. lol.

 

[Mrs Awesome]

oh, I didn't take offence at all! no worries! I actually just got back from meeting with the pastor, about as formal as it gets. lol.

Oh, good!

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I actually asked the LCMS Pr. in my neighborhood parish why his parish would not be celebrating the Mass on Pentecost, he stated it does not fall on one of the Sundays we have it. LAME! I figured a Holy Day such as Pentecost, in a parish that has a Pr. would be almost in the wrong for NOT celebrating! LOL. I'm starting to wonder what I am getting myself into...j/k.

As it is the fourth sunday of the month, we won't be having communion on Pentecost either. It does not change Pentecost in the slightest.

 

[atonement511]

I understand that. For someone coming from a every sunday sacramental background, it just one of those things I need to get used to. I am actually enjoying service of the word!

 

[LizaMarie]

Well I can't believe this. When we first joined this church (WELS) communion was once a month. With our new pastor, who came about 10 years ago, we finally moved communion to 2X a month. Now I saw in the bulletin that the council voted to go back to once a month. I contacted the president and voiced my opposition to this, and he agreed with me- saying he preferred twice a month, too, but said many of the old timer's didn't like the twice weekly communion as it didn't square with our tradition. I said if it was a question of setting up and taking down(altar care) I volunteered to do it every time if we could keep it twice monthly(at least) I also gave my reason as to why we need the Sacrament of the Altar at LEAST twice a month. This was a big reason I left non-denominational evangelicalism was because of the downplaying of the Sacraments. Lutheranism is so unique in that area-Word and Sacrament. I feel that twice monthly is at least a compromise between those of us who would like it every Sunday and those who would like it less often. I've heard of churches that offer it 4 times a year. If it goes to that I'm leaving. heck I could go back to my old church for that.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

I understand that. For someone coming from a every sunday sacramental background, it just one of those things I need to get used to. I am actually enjoying service of the word!

Yeah, I came from a church that use the Common Service EVERY WEEK. My husband used all of the different services. When he guest preached at my old church, he requested that we use Service of Word and Sacrament. So, now my home church rotates just like he does. This way, we get to use Morning Praise, which I love, although he has to add the confession and absolution to it.