The Observance of the Lord's Supper

The Anchorage and Bethel Moravian Churches encourages believers to participate in Holy Communion when it is offered (a minimum of 6 times annually). This is one of the most sacred services of the Church. As the Apostle Paul relates to Christ's followers in I Corinthians 11, no one should ever partake of Communion without proper spiritual preparation.

Who may receive Communion?

a. Every communicant member of the congregation. A communicant member is one who has been admitted to the communion of the Moravian Church by authority of the Board of Elders.

b. Every associate communicant who is a member of the congregation. This is someone who is in good standing as communicant members of some other Protestant denomination. This is one who desires during their residence in Bethel to serve the Lord Jesus Christ in close fellowship with the members of the Bethel Moravian Church, but who is unwilling to sever the ties which bind them to their home congregation. Associate members have all the rights, privileges, and duties of communicant members of the Moravian Church.

c. The sick and shut-in may receive private communion upon request to one of the pastors.

Who may not take Communion?

a. Non-communicant members do not receive Communion. These are children of members who are above thirteen and under nineteen years of age who have not been admitted to the Holy Communion. These children do not receive Communion, until they finish two years of instruction (see exception above) and have been confirmed into the faith (children who have not yet entered confirmation instruction are encouraged to contact one of the pastors to participate in confirmation class).

b. Individuals who have not examined their lives and are out of fellowship with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

How do we prepare for Communion?

In advance of the Communion service , one must prepare by reading God's Word, by meditating, praying to God, confessing any known or unknown sins, and practicing self-examination as they come before the Lord's supper. The need to prepare is announced one Sunday in advance of the Communion service. A preparatory liturgy is usually read before the actual Communion service.

Why should I participate in Communion?

a. It is a means of receiving God's grace.

b. It gives one assurance of eternal life.

c. It makes the presence of Christ real and efficacious in our daily lives.

d. It sharpens the awareness of sin.

e. It enhances our sense of brotherhood with other believers of like mind.

f. It provides the strength we need for living each day.

How do we interpret Holy Communion?

The world-wide Moravian Church has taken the position that "it is neither possible to define the exact relationship of the elements used to the presence of our Lord's body and blood, nor is it considered profitable to desire to do so. Each member is given the right to partake with the understanding which he or she may gain by meditating upon the words which our Lord used in instituting this sacrament." This quote is taken from a publication of the Interprovincial Board of Christian Education of the Moravian Church in America, entitled The Observance of the Lord's Supper.

What do the bread and wine symbolize?

a. The unleavened bread wafer (wheat, flour and water) symbolizes our Lord's body broken upon the Cross of Calvary.

b. The unfermented grape juice symbolizes the blood of Christ

How is Holy Communion administered?

Ministers who serve the Lord's supper wear a white surplice that symbolizes the priestly office. A Communion order of service is provided. Those who would like to be served signify their intent by standing (usually two rows of people stand each time) as the minister serves the elements. After receiving the elements the communicant is seated.

Why do we shake hands?

Near the beginning and ending of the Communion service, Moravians are noted for the "Right Hand of Fellowship." The first handclasp signifies our spiritual union with God and our fellowman through Jesus Christ, and that it is our intention to relate ourselves in brotherly love to our fellow-worshipers. The second handclasp provides an opportunity for communicants to pledge their lives in service together for the Kingdom of God.

If anyone has any questions about Holy Communion observances at the Moravian Church, they are encouraged to contact one of the pastors, at (907) 543-3174 or (907) 243-3837.

© Copyright 2006 Anchorage Moravian Church
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