Musings from the Pastor’s Desk for August 30, 2026

Luther’s Marks of the Church

Week 3: Holy Communion

This is the third week of Luther’s Marks of the Church. Martin Luther identified seven visible signs, or “marks,” that help us recognize where the church of Jesus Christ is present. These marks are not merely doctrines we believe. They are gifts through which Christ continues to meet us, shape us, and sustain us. We experience all seven marks in our weekly liturgy.

Last week, the second mark was baptism, as we remembered the baptismal anniversaries of Barbara Scherzer and of Linda and Dan Williams. What matters most is that we have been given an identity that endures: we are children of God.

This week, the third mark is Holy Communion. We come forward to the table with empty hands, a powerful image of grace. We do not come carrying our accomplishments or with a list of reasons we deserve to be there. We simply receive the bread and wine, signs of God’s promise to us, accompanied by the words “Given for you.”

For Martin Luther, Holy Communion was one of the essential marks of Christ’s church because here Christ gives himself to us in a deeply personal way, not merely for the world or our congregation, but for you.

We come to the table carrying all kinds of things. Some come thankful. Some come grieving. Some come worried about children or grandchildren. Some carry guilt. Some are frightened about the future. Some have strong faith, while others may quietly pray, “Lord, help my unbelief.” And Christ feeds them all.

The Communion table is wonderfully unifying. Young and old, wealthy and poor, longtime members and newcomers all receive the same gift. No one receives a larger share of grace. No one is more deserving than another. We are simply hungry people being fed by Christ. Communion does something else. It reminds us that we belong not only to Christ but also to one another.

We become what Scripture calls the body of Christ. We receive Christ’s grace and are then sent into the world to be signs of that grace for others, to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, comfort the hurting, and forgive as we have been forgiven. We come with empty hands. Christ fills them. Then Christ sends us out to open those hands to our neighbors.

Reflection: When you receive Communion, what do the words “given for you” mean to you?

Come join us at the Lord’s table to receive the life-giving bread and wine. We worship at 10:30 AM and are also on Facebook Live. Whether you come seeking healing, praying for someone you love, or simply longing for God’s peace, you are welcome.

Peace+

Pastor Eric