What We Believe: The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Luther’s Small Catechism impresses upon us that the Christian way of life is rigorous and demanding. No Christian evades the enemies of weariness, doubt, faithlessness, and despair. It requires a healthy and strong faith to contend with these enemies in everyday life. Christians need regular nourishment to sustain their faith. For this reason, Christians regularly gather with other believers to speak and hear the gospel. The Lord’s Supper is food for Christians who are always on the way from repentance to resurrection, from death to birth.
Holy Communion is celebrated in every Service at Shepherd of the Hills, with the exception of Good Friday. The First Sunday of the month and other special occasions, communion is served kneeling at the rail around the altar. First, a piece of bread or wafer is offered and is eaten, followed by wine or grape juice is offered in individual cups. During the other services, communion is served by intinction. In this method, a wafer is offered and held on to until it is dipped in the cup of wine held by the communion assistant and then eaten. All who believe and are baptized are welcome to receive communion. 
Matthew 26:26-29 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
First Communion Classes
First Communion Classes are offered for children in 2nd grade or higher who are ready to join in this celebration. 2020 Classes will be scheduled in October. The students and parents attend together. First Communion Sunday, scheduled for late October at either service. Those wishing to register should contact the church.
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”