First Communion
Baptized children of member families who desire the Sacrament of the Altar before Confirmation are brought to the pastor by their parents, who serve as their primary instructors in the faith.
The children receive supplemental instruction from Pastor Wendorff through a series of First Communion classes. In addition to completing these classes, students are to...
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Recite the primary texts of Luther's Small Catechism in a church service (or as separately scheduled):
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The Ten Commandments
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The Apostles' Creed
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The Lord's Prayer
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The Small Catechism's first question and Bible passage for Confession, Baptism, and the Sacrament of the Altar.
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(+The books of the Old Testament and New Testament)
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Complete an examination with parents and Pastor Wendorff
In addition to this, and most importantly, the children confess their sins and their trust in Jesus Christ along with an understanding of the bodily presence of the risen Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar.
They then undergo the “Rite for First Communion” as it is endorsed by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and provided for in the Agenda for the Lutheran Service Book.
There is no specific age or grade for First Communion. Children who are admitted to the altar in this way make vows similar to those of Confirmation including a promise, with the help of God, to continue receiving instruction.
First Communion classes are offered for 10 weeks in the Fall. Children tend to take this class several years in a row until their parents want them to be confirmed through the Rite of Confirmation. Then they also attend a (similar) 10 week class in the Spring where they are expected to have all parts of Luther’s Small Catechism memorized.
Parents are expected to stay with their children during the class and also to attend weekly worship with them. This reinforces the authority of the parent and their responsibility to their child's development.
If a family is unable to make classes work with the provided schedule, they can simply talk with Pastor to find another time to meet, and we'll make it happen!
Other Education Opportunities...
Congregation at Prayer