Schone, a Bishop Emeritus for the Selbstandigen Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche of Germany, wrote this pastoral letter in 1997. He observed that there was a new liturgy for communion adopted in 1995 which will "help us to preserve the richness of service order that distinguishes the Lutheran Church" (p. 103). This job of preserving and, if necessary, reclaiming the unique identity of the church body, is very important in making a distinctive and recognizable statement for Christ in the community.
Schone observes that the distinctives of the Lutheran church are most clearly recognized in the Lord's Supper. This is where we see the real presence of Christ and proclaim the forgiveness of sins and nourishment of faith for life. Schone makes the following important observations.
1) It is appropriate to make the celebration of the sacrament a regular and obvious part of our gatherings. It is central to the life of the Christian. It is central to the life of the Church.
2) The vessels should be treated with appropriate attention. The altar cloth should be clean, as should the chalice linen, coverings of the pyx and flagon, and whatever other furnishings are present. They should be placed carefully and neatly, in plain view. Schone objects strongly to the use of individual cups, observing that it is hardly used in Germany but that in North America it is a frequent situation. He observes that the common cup is a far better way to celebrate our common calling and participation in Christ. The individual cup is no more sanitary than a properly cared for calice (edge wiped with a cloth and some sort of safe pure alcohol if needed. The individual cup causes difficulties in consumption of the relictio as well.He is disturbed by the use of paper towels for cleaning he chalice due to the cheapness and impermanence of the materials.
3) The preparation of the elements is important. Schone observes that the bread/host should be appropriately fresh and that the wine should be pure and unadulterated. He speaks very plainly that "grape juice cannot be tolerated, because, without question, in doing so a different element from that used by Christ at the institution of the holy supper would be introduced into the service." Jesus used wine, we should also. When preparing the communion, only bring out the amount of host and wine that is expected to be distributed.
4) In the consecration, use the Lord's words of institution. The Holy Spirit was very clear in inspiring the evangelists and Paul to write the words in a particular manner. Thatis what to say in consecrating the elements. This recitation "can be traced in an unbroken succession since the second century" (p. 105). "On them hangs the validity of the celebration of the sacrament. They provide the presence of the body and blood of Christ for the reception that follows" (p. 105).
5) In the event that not enough has been consecrated, bring out additional elements and consecrate them.
6) What about elevating the consecrated elements so as to make it clear we are worshiping the truly present Christ? There is no reason not to do so, though it is not necessary.
7) Concerning distritution, we use care that nothing is spilled or dropped. This is a holy rite. It is a sacrament. Christ is present in the elements. They are for consumption, not for being dropped or spilled. The officiating pastor may have communion assistants, but the pastor is the one who makes the consecration. It is his office, as Christ has given the pastor to act as his agent. The placement of the host in the hand or in the mouth is a matter requiring caution. In general, since the historical pattern is to place the host in the mouth this would be preferred. Communicants receive both elements, though there may be ways to show concern for people who are endangered by alcohol (Schone doesn't mention allergies to gluten, which were not well known when he wrote). One may consider a minute amount of the element, such as giving the wine by intinction or getting just a drop on the lips. But a substitution of grape juice is again not acceptable.
8) The celebrant should participate in the sacrament as well. He is communing as well.
9) What about the relicta? If the consecrated elements are the true body and blood of Christ, they remain the true body and blood of Christ, intended for consumption. This is why we consecrate only the amount which is to be used. The last consuming people or the clergy therefore consume the remaining consecrated bread and drink the chalice. Under no circumstance are elements discarded down the drain, in a trash can, or put back into a bag or bottle to be used elsewhere. Luther considered burning the partially consumed host from communing the sick as a dignified manner of disposition. Schone considers that drinking the remainder of the consecrated wine is most appropriate. Historically, many churches had a sacrarium, a place to conduct baptismal water and other liquids to the soil. But this is not the case in many churches constructed in recent times.
10) Schone closes his pastoral letter by observing that it is inappropriate to administer communion frivolously or indifferently. It is a true sacrament and must be treated seriously as such.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogspot.com and http://alex-kirk.blogspot.com
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