A Preface

For a long time God’s word has strongly and clearly revealed that the supper of Christ is greatly misused. Thus it is necessary that everything that does not conform to God’s word must be abolished.

And since this remembrance is a thanksgiving to and rejoicing in the almighty God for the grace that he has shown us through his son, and since this grace is apparent in this festive meal or thanksgiving, and since he assures them that he belongs to those who believe that they are redeemed by the death and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the disciples, who come in faith and in the knowledge of God and who want to attend this thanksgiving and Supper, should gather together on Holy Thursday at the front of the church—-the men on the right side and the women on the left—-while the others remain in the nave, the narthex, and in other places. And when the sermon has concluded, the unleavened bread and the wine should be placed on a table in the chancel, according to the meaning and practice of Christ as he instituted this remembrance. The words should be spoken by us in understandable German (as they follow hereafter). Then the bread on a flat, wooden plate is to be distributed from one seat to the other, and each person is to break off a bite or mouthful with his own hand and eat it. Thereafter the wine should be similarly distributed so that it is not necessary for anyone to move from their seat.

Once the elements are distributed, God should be given praise and thanks with public and clear words and with a clear, distinctive voice. Then the whole congregation should speak the concluding “Amen.” On Good Friday those who are middle-aged should go to the named place of the chancel and participate in the thanksgiving in the same manner, although men and women should be divided as noted above. On Easter Day the most senior members of the congregation should do so in the same manner.

The plates and cups are wooden so that the pomp of the mass does not return.

We will follow this practice, as far as it will please our churches, four times a year, namely, Easter, Pentecost, harvest time, and Christmas.