Tel: 540-951-1000
Tel: 540-951-1000
Luther Memorial Worship Services
January 23, 2022 Blacksburg Worship Service
In this Sunday's reading (1 Cor 12:12-31a) the apostle Paul eloquently reminds Christians that when we are baptized into Jesus, we also become members of the universal Body of Christ. Paul emphasizes that we are all connected to God, and to each other, within this holy Body. Just as a whole human body is made of individual parts, each with its unique function, Christ’s Body is comprised of individual believers who serve God and each other with their unique gifts, talents and skills. God’s creative diversity strengthens the Body of Christ: when we gather together to worship, study, fellowship and serve, each member of this Body contributes in their own way, for the good of the whole, so that the entire Body may align with God’s will.
Please join us for worship with Holy Communion every Sunday at 10 am - all are welcome! You may also watch the service via Livestream using the link above.
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.
Because holy communion is celebrated when we gather in person as the Body of Christ, Luther Memorial does not offer a pre-recorded communion service. During the pandemic, ELCA bishops determined that persons who watch live digital worship may commune from their location 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 Luthermemorialblacksburg@gmail.com.
“…for the kingdom of God is within you.” ~Luke 17:21
Digital Worship Opportunities
All Places Together
All Places Together
All Places Together
All Places Together (APT) is a non-geographic community, based in Virginia. We seek to gather individuals who are searching for God in the wilderness of life, individuals who deeply want to connect to something beyond themselves, and individuals who believe the love of Jesus is embodied in all of God’s diverse creation.
For more information, please e-mail us at allplacestogether@gmail.com.
Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram: @AllPlacesTogether
Peace and Hope
All Places Together
All Places Together
Peace and Hope, a new 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.