Shepherd of the Valley Church - Communion Statement

The Lord's Supper is celebrated at this congregation in the confession and glad confidence that, as He says, our Lord gives into our mouths not only bread and wine but His very body and blood to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sins and to strengthen our union with Him and with one another. Our Lord invites to His table those who trust His words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us, that they may show forth His death until He comes. If you desire to commune, please read the following:

COMMUNION STATEMENT

We follow the historic practice of close communion (sharing a Biblical unity of faith and doctrine before communing together). Please therefore examine yourself (1 Corinthians 11:27-32) to see if you can joyfully embrace our Biblical confession regarding the Sacrament of the Altar:

I believe and trust in Jesus Christ, true God and true man, as my only Savior from sin, death and Satan (John 3:16; 1 Timothy 3:16).
I believe that together with the bread and wine, I also receive Christ's true body and blood which is truly present in the Sacrament for my forgiveness (Matt. 26:26, 28; 1 Corinthians 10:16).
I freely acknowledge I am a sinner and come to the Lord's Table believing I will receive its chief blessing; the forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:8-9; Matthew 26:28; 1 John 1:7).
I am sorry for my sins and resolve with the help of the Holy Spirit to amend my sinful life (2 Corinthians 7:10-11; Ephesians 4:22-24).
I forgive those who have sinned against me and am not refusing to be reconciled with anyone (Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 6:15).
I am a baptized believer and have received proper instruction in the Sacrament of the Altar (Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 11:28-29).

If this statement is also your sincere confession of faith, you are invited to commune with us. If this statement does not reflect your confession of faith, please refrain from communing and speak with the pastor at your earliest opportunity.