Worship Service Archive

Bethlehem congregation confesses and affirms what the Bible teaches, namely that in this sacred meal Jesus Christ is truly present with His body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine, given for the forgiveness of sins.​​​

Our Church practices Closed Communion, the accepted practice of the Church catholic since the Apostolic age. Closed Communion is the Scriptural and historic practice of limiting participation in the Lord’s Supper to those who have been catechized (instructed) and examined in the truths of the Christian faith and who have promised to believe, teach and confess all that the church in which they will commune believes, teaches and confesses.

Participation in the Lord’s Supper at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, where Lutheran teaching and practice are the definitive marks of our identity, is a privilege ordinarily reserved for confirmed members, in good standing, of congregations in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and synods with whom we are in Altar Fellowship (in North America: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, Lutheran Church-Canada and American Association of Lutheran Churches). Such individuals have been instructed and through faith confess the teachings of these Synods as the true and correct exposition of Holy Scripture.

The most loving and honest practice, when this instruction has not been received and/or  this confession  cannot be  made,  is for   an   individual   not   to  commune.   The

Communicants are ushered forward by row. Please receive the host upon an open palm. The Chalice (or common cup) is available at every table. The Duty Elder will offer the individual cups and is followed by the Pastor who will offer the Chalice. Please tip the base of the chalice yourself to avoid spillage. The individual cups in the center ring contain de-alcoholized wine for those who have so requested. You may direct questions to the Pastor or Duty Elder.