Grace Notes 2022-09-07

Considering our new affiliation with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod many of you are asking “What kind of changes will this involve?” There is always a little something disturbing about change. Most of us tend in the direction of finking comfort and safety in familiar surroundings. Change can involve adventure, and although that can at times be exciting, at the same time it can take a lot of energy. So, what might we looking at in the weeks and months ahead?

I will be up front; I have the same questions. This is new to me as well. I remain convinced that some of the worst fears I have heard expressed will not be the case. In many ways I think we will find things not so different. We are already a congregation that upholds the Lutheran Confessions, enjoys Lutheran liturgical worship, uses Lutheran hymnody, and uses the same three-year cycle of Sunday lessons. None of this changes!

We will soon experience the support and company of neighboring congregations in the same Synod. The word ‘synod’ by the way literally means journeying together. Closest to us is Shepherd of the Hills in Onalaska, Faith in La Crosse, and Prince of Peace in West Salem. One example of this advantage is sharing programs such as Vacation Bible School. There are also retired Pastors in the area who can do pulpit supply and interim ministries.

There is no hurry, but eventually we will want to use the Missouri Synod hymnal. Two of the five worship settings are identical to the ones we use now in the Lutheran Book of Worship. Many, if not most, of our favorite hymns are in Missouri Synod hymnal as well.

One interesting difference for all of us will be having something called a board of elders. With our size that might be just two or three men. Their leadership will be spiritual and pastoral. I see real advantages with this leadership, but it will be a new experience for us.

Since You Asked…

Why do we celebrate Holy Communion nearly every Sunday? 

The celebration of the meal we call Holy Communion has consistently been the chief act of Christian worship since the age of the Apostles. The Lutheran Reformation did not break with this tradition of 1,500 years. In fact the Augsburg Confession (our principal statement of faith) declares Holy Communion to be the chief act of worship for Lutherans on Sundays and festivals (Art. 26).  (from “Manual on the Liturgy” companion to the LBW, from Augsburg Pub.)

You might think of Holy Communion as spiritual bread and drink for our journey (pilgrimage), for our Lord’s Body and Blood is true nutrition indeed!