Holy Communion Practices

The old Receptionist views of the Synodical Conference have adversely affected the thinking of many. Receptionism means the elements of Holy Communion are not the Body and Blood of Christ until they are received. Many were trained this way and still think along these lines.

There are three ways of dealing with elements remaining after the Holy Communion service is over, if the congregation rejects Receptionism. (I hate to use the term Consecrationist, because the word is a label for orthodox Christian teaching.)

1. One way is to consume the remaining elements.
2. Another way is to respectfully pour the remaining wine, which is the Blood of Christ, onto the earth. I vicared at a church where a sink was installed in the sacristy for that purpose.
3. A third way is to have an accurate count of the communicants. That is fairly easy with closed communion and a smaller congregation.

I know that one WELS member thought a Missouri congregation was throwing away the remaining elements. The reasoning behind these actions listed above is to show that the Words of Institution mean what they say. Congregational actions are not always consistent. It is good to ask what is being done and why it is being done. I think the LCMS congregation throwing away the remaining elements was saying: We do not mix consecrated elements with the unconsecrated, because the Words of Institution mean what they say." I am also guessing the congregation treats the remaining elements with reverence, even if the words chosen (or impressions given) are bad.

If a congregation short-changes the elements for a large communion service and ushers bring in new supplies (to be used right away), it is saying, "The Words of Institution mean nothing." New elements should be consecrated or adequate amounts should be provided in the first place.

I am writing about this because several laymen had questions. The best preparation for Holy Communionn is a believing heart. If the pastor is an orthodox Lutheran in his teaching, the individual should have no problems communing.

Perhaps others share my frustration. Many ELCA and LCMS pastors insist on every Sunday service being a Holy Communion service. I am not opposed to this. It is my practice. I am opposed to the Law attitude of the advocates. I also wonder about those who are Patristic Fundamentalists but care nothing about Lutheran doctrine.

KJV 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which
God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

KJV 2 Timothy 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.