Summary
Highlights
Pastor Tim Amy introduces a guide for celebrating Holy Communion at home for those self-isolating. He outlines the video's structure: instructions, theological background, and then a shared communion service. For communion, participants need common bread (any type) and a red drink like grape juice or red wine. He clarifies that after communion, the remaining bread and wine are just food and drink, as Jesus's presence is then with the individual, making them the sacrament.
The pastor explains the theological significance, stating that in communion, Jesus Christ is present within the bread and wine, which in turn are within the Word of God. He describes three ways the Word of God is experienced: Jesus as the Incarnate Word, the written Word (Scriptures, specifically Luke 22's Last Supper account), and the spoken Word (saying 'the body of Christ given for you' and 'the blood of Christ shed for you'). He emphasizes the importance of speaking these words aloud, even if alone, to confirm Jesus's sacrificial presence and God's abundant grace being poured out.
He discusses the Lutheran teaching that Christ makes himself known in communion, meaning anyone can preside according to Martin Luther. However, in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), an ordained pastor officiates communion to represent the wider church, reminding participants that they are part of a global Christian community. This video combines both aspects: individuals celebrate at home, but with an ordained pastor guiding them, connecting them to the larger church body.
Pastor Amy leads the participants through the Holy Communion service. He instructs them to hold the bread as he recites the words of institution: 'In the night in which he was betrayed... take and eat; this is my body, given for you.' Then, they raise their drink as he says, 'After supper he took the cup... this cup is the New Covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.' Participants are encouraged to share communion with each other, or commune themselves, remembering to say the appropriate phrases verbally.
Following communion, the pastor offers a blessing: 'May the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and keep you in God's grace. Amen.' He then leads everyone in reciting The Lord's Prayer. The video concludes with a final benediction: 'May the Lord bless you and keep you... and give you peace,' in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, ending with 'Go in peace, serve the Lord.'