I started this so I wouldn't be out of line with CF guidelines. Since both you and Mark objected to me posting in the LCMS forum, I was fine with that. What I was NOT fine with was the ad hominum attack on my Lutheran catechisis. So I opened this here. If you don't want to discuss that's perfectly fine and the thread can die out on its own.
My objection is VERY specific to LCMS / ELS / WELS practice which promotes a semi-receptionist view regarding the disposal of the communion elements after communion.
The statement from the FoC that the elements are not considered sacramental when outside of the liturgical act of "eating and drinking" means that theoretically, they revert back to being bread and wine at the end of the liturgy.
I was a strict consecrationist when I was LCMS and I argued multiple times against my pastors about my problem with returning consecrated elements mixed in with unconsecrated elements.
What do you say about this from the LCMS FAQ?
The other point of reference is page 89 of
The Altar Guild Manual: Lutheran Service Book Edition, by Dr. Lee Maxwell that says:
“What remains in the chalice, however, should either be consumed or poured into the piscine or onto the ground since there may be crumbs or other foreign matter in it. The reserved elements may then be kept in the sacristy or placed on the altar or credence and covered with a white veil.
It is un-Lutheran and irreverent to place unused elements in the trash or to pour the remainder of what is in the chalice or flagon into the common drain." If the elements are saved for future use,
it is best they are kept separate.
Yet the common practice as a Lutheran from the 1980s to when I left in 2001 was to put hosts back into a container with unconsecreated hosts and to pour the remaining wine down the sink.
Do we want to get into individual communion cups? As an elder, I don't know how many times people would drop communion cups into the trash that were filled with Christ's blood. How do you deny that the LCMS practice is receptionist when DISPOSABLE communion cups are a common practice?
Even CPH sells them by the 1000 "These one-time-use Communion cups fit standard trays and have a smooth, comfortable lip. Cups are made of 100% clear polystyrene and are recyclable."
These one-time-use Communion cups fit standard trays and have a smooth, comfortable lip. Cups are made of 100% clear polystyrene and are recyclable.
www.cph.org
FYI
You have absolutely no idea what my Lutheran education was. I grew up during the Seminex years and I was taught by Concordia Ft. Wayne students, graduates and faculty. If you are going to start leveling charges at a poor catechesis then you'd better get your credentials in line.