We offer the common cup and practice closed communion; since we believe that Christ's body and blood are physically present in the Lord's Supper ("this is my body... this is my blood" - Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Cor. 11:24-25) and since St. Paul tells us to examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28) and to recognize the body and blood of the Lord (1 Cor. 11:29), we instruct adults and children prior to their confirmation and reception of the Lord's Supper at Christ the King.
Visitors are always welcome and quite frequent at Christ the King. If you are visiting and would like to commune we ask that you speak to the pastor prior to the service regarding Holy Communion. Since we cannot and do not judge the beliefs in the heart of an individual we look at the outward confession of the individual as expressed by the official fellowship to which they have attached themselves. We are very concerned about proper pastoral care and about our visitor's spiritual well-being; therefore we do not offer Holy Communion to those who cannot examine themselves, who are not repentant of their sins; or who do not share our confession and beliefs concerning the Scriptures and the Lord's Supper as expounded in the Book of Concord of 1580. (For further study please see Matthew 5:23f, 10:32f, 18:15-35, 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; and the pastor is always willing to schedule a time to meet with you for further discussion).
If you are visiting and have not been able to speak to the pastor or are not prepared to commune but you or your children would like to receive a baptismal blessing, please come to the communion rail and fold your arms over your chest; the pastor will deliver the blessing.