We practice closed communion. Closed communion means not everyone who worships at First Lutheran receives the bread and wine, Christ’s Body and Blood, during the Lord’s Supper. Not, that is, until they’ve been faithfully instructed and confirmed in the very same faith that is taught here. God desires us all to have the same mind concerning His teaching (1 Cor. 1) before recieving His gifts at the table (1 Cor. 10-11). Closed communion is a reflection of our unity in doctrine and common confession and witness before the world.

Our concern and practice of closed communion is rooted in the Scriptures and has been reflected in the history of the church in her early days (see for example Werner Elert's Eucharist and Fellowship in the First Four Centuries), though we sadly acknowledge that many churches today have dropped the practice for various...but unsatisfactory...reasons. Giving the opportunity, our pastors will gladly and lovingly explain our practice further, the reasons from the Bible, the demonstration from church history, and invite you to take a class to learn more and become a member. We believe that when Christians agree in the confession of Jesus and the truth of God’s Word, God is pleased and that He blesses us.

Everyone is welcome to come forward for a blessing, but if you have not yet been confirmed in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or have joined a church not in fellowship with our church, or have not been active in the church for some time, then please cross your arms to indicate your desire to receive a blessing. We encourage you to speak to our pastors before the service (if you have never visited) and afterward if you are interested in learning more or reviewing what we believe, teach, and confess.