First Lutheran Church - Plainville Kansas Pastoral Epistle - Weekly Communion Rev. L J McDermott, Pastor Historically, the Church has celebrated our Lord's Supper weekly (the mass) as evidenced even today by churches around us e.g. Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox et al. Today, by the grace of God, more and more of our Lutheran congregations are returning to this historic precedent. First Lutheran Church of Plainville Kansas is now in step with this sacred custom to the joy and salvation of our souls. We have made this long overdue change in our worship schedule not just to mimic but in following our conscience in obedience to our Lord. Everything we know and believe concerning Holy Communion begs frequent reception of our Lord's Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins and strength of faith and life. In Luther's small catechism we are taught four helpful truths in our under- standing of Holy Communion; (1) The Sacrament of the Altar is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, for us Christians to eat and to drink, instituted by Christ Himself; (2) As we eat and drink, the benefits of the Lord's Supper are shown by Christ's own Words: "Given and shed for you for the remission of sins - namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. (3) These things are accomplished not by the eating and drinking but by the Word of Christ, "Given and shed for you for t he remission of sins - which words, besides the bodily eating and drinking, are the chief thing in the Sacrament - and he that believes these Words has what they say and express, namely, the forgiveness of sins. (4) And finally, fasting and bodily preparation are indeed a fine outward training; but he is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words, "Given and shed for you for the remission of sins." But he that does not believe these Words, or doubts, is unworthy and unprepared; for the words "for you" require all hearts to believe. And of course, all this flowing from and following the clear teachings of our Lord in Holy Scripture. We have been taught, and rightly so that we are to receive our Lord's Body and Blood often ("As oft as you do this in remembrance of Me). No doubt "often" is interpreted and applied variously by various individuals. Could we not reason that to receive the sacrament "often" is to receive it whenever it is offered? Could we not also conclude that "too often" is not possible? As your pastor, it is my desire and prayer for you that weekly Communion is something you desire yourself, and that for which you long. May God grant that each member, having examined himself, would avail himself of this unfathomable treasure. In any case it will be offered and there for each communicant member to eat and to drink with great joy and thanksgiving. In Jesus Name. Amen.