Here at Shepherd of the Lake our worship is referred to as the "Divine Service." In other words, we believe that "God serves" his people in the midst of our gathering on Sunday morning. Through the absolution of the pastor, God speaks forgiveness of our sins throught the blood of his Son Jesus. Through the words of the liturgy, readings, and sermon, God speaks his Law and Gospel upon our hearts. Through the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper, God feeds his people with the very body and blood of Christ. Contrary to what many churches teach today, worship is not all about what we give to God, but first and foremost about what God gives to us.
We worship with Lutheran Service Book, using primarily Divine Service, Setting One. Those of you familiar with past LCMS hymnals will recognize this service as the "page 158" service from Lutheran Worship. We also will use Setting Three and Setting Four from time to time.
Every Saturday morning from 8:00-10:00 am (or another time by appointment), the pastor is available to hear your confession of sins personally, upon which he wil speak the Gospel to you personally through the words of absolution. No one is required to come to individual confession--this is strictly another means available to receive God's gift of forgiveness.
Think of it this way...if you grew up in a family with several siblings, there was probably a time when Mom or Dad said to all of the kids at once, "I love you." It's special and meaningful to hear those words. But there were also times when Mom or Dad would take you aside and say just to you those same words--"I love you." Is Mom or Dad's love greater for you when they say it personally? No! Their love for you is always great. But it means more to you personally to have it said to you individually. Individual confession & absolution is meant to work in that way.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Our congregation celebrates the Lord's Supper on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, as well as on festival days (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas). We believe that the bread and wine we eat and drink truly gives us the very body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his words of institution. In the Lord's Supper, the Church is given forgiveness of sins, strengthening of faith, and fellowship with Christ and his faithful through the means of bread and wine.
In keeping with the practice of the LCMS, our congregation practices closed communion. In doing so, we invite visitors who are members in good standing of other LCMS congregations to join us at the altar. When a visitor of another denomination is denied the opportunity to commune with us, there is the possibility that this is seen as judgmetnal and condescending. This is not our intention! Our Lord commands us in his Word that we should not gather to receive the body and blood if there are divisions between us. Because differences exist between the LCMS and other denominations, we honor our Lord's command by asking those of a different confession to refrain from communing.
Our communion practice is done with the desire to remain faithful to Scripture, and ensure that those who come to the altar are receiving the Lord's Supper to their benefit. If you have any questions regarding our communion practice, please don't hesitate to make an appointment to speak with our pastor.
Come Join Us in Receiving the Gifts of Our Good Shepherd!
If you are new to the Mille Lacs Lake area or are just visiting, we invite you to join us in receiving the love and forgiveness of the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep! We routinely offer adult instruction courses for those who desire to become members of our congregation, as well as offering youth confirmation for those in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. If you ahve any questions about our worship, our beliefs, or our congregation in general, please call the pastor and speak with him!