Luther Memorial Most Recent Worship Service
May 31, 2025
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Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today’s second reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.
The Lutheran Theology of Holy Communion in the World of Digital Worship
Lutherans understand the sacrament of holy communion as a gift of God in Christ Jesus, and as a means of grace by which we receive assurance of God’s love and forgiveness. As Jesus instructs his followers at The Last Supper, we celebrate holy communion when we gather together in person. This sacrament is distributed by an ordained pastor or authorized lay communion minister using elements consecrated in live worship because at Jesus’ table, we are blessed by the real presence of Christ alive in us, gathered as community, through the bread and wine. In this gift of communion we remember that Jesus gave his life willingly for all people, to reveal that God’s love and mercy do not end at death: in baptism we are united with Jesus for eternal life.
During the 2020 COVID-19 global pandemic, ELCA bishops determined that persons who watch live digital worship may commune from their if they watch a live communion service; it is not appropriate to commune by watching a pre-recorded service.
To receive holy communion, you have several options:
- Attend Luther Memorial in-person worship services at 10 am on Sundays.
- Watch our live-streamed worship, 10 am on Sundays, communing when the in-person congregation communes, with your bread and wine or grape juice.
- Watch a live Peace & Hope digital worshiping community service (see information below). and commune with the digital attendees from your location, with your bread and wine/grape juice.
- Contact Pastor Monica to schedule an in-home communion visit
If you have any questions about the Lutheran understanding of holy communion, please email Pastor Monica.
“…for the kingdom of God is within you.” ~Luke 17:21
Digital Worship Opportunities
Peace and Hope
Peace and Hope, a digital Synod Authorized Worshipping Community in the Virginia Synod, launched in June 2021 to provide a place for congregations to combine their gifts to provide digital worship and digital learning opportunities for individuals around the Synod.
If you are out of town for the weekend or are in need of a digital worship service, feel free to visit www.peacehopeva.org. Services take place at 10 am and 7 pm each Sunday and may be viewed here.
Each week, Pastor Bryan Katz, the mission developer for Peace and Hope, will produce a digital worship experience using a platform called AltarLive. Elements of worship will be pre-recorded by partners in Peace and Hope - the latest service may be viewed below. If you have any questions, reach out to Pastor Monica or Pastor Bryan.