4.5.2.1 Before the divine service

The time prior to the divine service should have a preparatory character and serve for the personal sanctification.

• Greetingf of members
• Time for a personal prayer
• Musical contributions
• Greeting on special occasion (for example, greeting of bridal couple in sacristy)
• Silence in the congregation (approximately three minutes before beginning of service)
• Sanctification and prayer of ministers (in the sacristy, possibly in the presence of the Deacons)

4.5.2.2 Opening hymn

The opening hymn is a collective expression of praise to God. It binds the believers together.  

During the opening hymn the ministers who have taken their place at the altar say a silent prayer.

4.5.2.3 Commencement in the triune name of God

The commencement in the triune name of God in a divine service is as follows:
“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

This is the invocation (proclamation) of God and the assurance of His presence.

In awareness of this holy moment, the officiant speaks these words in a clear and accentuated manner.

Since the commencement in the triune name of God is not part of the opening prayer, the eyes of the officiant can remain open.

A pause in speaking is inserted between the triune name of God and the subsequent opening prayer.

4.5.2.4 Opening prayer

The officiant prays with the congregation and speaks on its behalf.

The prayer should be concise and dignified. The prayer is not the time to start the sermon or try to explain something to God.

The prayer should be spoken loudly and clearly. It should take approximately three to four minutes.

Contents of the prayer might include:

• worship and praise of God
• gratitude for the presence of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit
• gratitude for His preservation, help, and grace
• the plea for divine peace
• gratitude for the hope of Christ’s return and the ability to prepare for it
• the plea for forgiveness and reconciliation with God and with one another
• the plea for God’s word to strengthen faith, bring comfort, and provide orientation for all those present, and for the proper understanding of the word
• intercession for members who cannot be present
• the plea for a connection to the apostolate
• the plea for a connection with one another and the departed
• the plea for sanctification and angel protection

If appropriate, significant events (for example, catastrophes) can be referenced in intercession.

4.5.2.5 Reading of Bible text

The officiant reads the Bible text with expression and dignity and without haste. Accentuated pronunciation helps direct the congregation’s attention to the words of Holy Scripture.

The congregation sits down following the reading of the Bible text.

4.5.2.6 Musical contribution

Following the reading of the Bible text there is a musical contribution that can be either choral or instrumental (the participants rise for choral or congregational singing).

4.5.2.7 Bible reading (as specified)

A Bible reading serves to provide a better understanding of Christian holy days and the gospel.

This makes it clear that the Bible is the basis of our faith and the preaching of our Church.

The Bible reading is specified in the Divine Service Guide. It should be taken from the Bible translation used in the respective Regional Church.

The Bible reading should take place in front of or next to the altar, if possible from a lectern and from a printed copy of the Bible. The officiant remains standing at the altar during the Bible reading, while the congregation is seated.

If the officiant takes on the task of reading, he or she should read from the altar.

Those who undertake the Bible reading must prepare themselves for this task.

The Bible reading is announced by the officiant.

Recommended announcement of the Bible reading^[34]:
“We will now hear a Bible reading.”

4.5.2.8 Musical contribution following the Bible reading  (optional)

A musical contribution can follow the Bible reading.  

4.5.2.9 Sermon

God’s word and will is proclaimed to the congregation in the divine service.

The word of God is, first and foremost, the content recorded in Holy Scripture. The sermon must be oriented to this. The foundation of the sermon is thus a previously selected Bible text. The Chief Apostle provides the ministers with notes for interpretation of this passage (Divine Service Guide) so that they can prepare themselves for the divine services

The sermon delivered by the officiant is not to exceed a maximum duration of 15 to 20 minutes. The sermon is concluded with “Amen”. The congregation then responds with “Amen”.

4.5.2.10 Musical contribution when calling assistant

If possible, there should be a musical contribution after the main sermon when other ministers are called to assist.

4.5.2.11 Assisting ministers

Assisting ministers should not serve for more than 5 minutes each. These contributions to the sermon are completed by “Amen”. In each case, the congregation responds with “Amen”.

4.5.2.12 Musical contribution following the sermon part (optional)

The sermon part can be concluded with a musical contribution.

4.5.2.13 Preparing the congregation for forgiveness of sins and celebration of the Holy Communion

Following the sermon, the congregation is prepared for the forgiveness of sins (absolution) and the celebration of Holy Communion.

The fact that forgiveness of sins is even possible is only thanks to the grace of God. His love for sinful mankind is demonstrated in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ and the latter’s death on the cross. This perfect, eternally valid sacrifice is the foundation for the forgiveness of sins.

The forgiveness of sins (absolution) is not a sacrament, but it is a prerequisite for receiving the sacraments worthily. 

The subsequent celebration of Holy Communion guarantees fellowship of life with Jesus Christ.

The content of the preparation may include the following points:

• the instruction to repent
• a reminder of Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet (self-abasement)
• acknowledgement of personal sinfulness and guilt
• willingness to forgive and reconcile
• gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice
• envisioning of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
• remembrance of Jesus’ suffering and death
• remembrance of the initiation of Holy Communion
• reminder that the proper administration of the sacraments has been entrusted to the Apostle ministry

A distinction must be made between forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion. They relate to each other insofar that the forgiveness of sins provides the holiness required in order to receive the sacraments, and thus to worthily partake of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The subsequent celebration of Holy Communion guarantees fellowship of life with Jesus Christ.

4.5.2.14 Hymn of repentance or a moment of silence

Following these words of preparation for the forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion, the congregation sings the hymn of repentance.

The hymn of repentance is an expression of collective confession of sins before God and each other.

The congregation remains seated during the hymn of repentance. The choir stands if it is asked to sing.

In place of the hymn of repentance, the officiant may invite the congregation to observe a moment of silence (with a maximum duration of one minute). A moment of silence is a time of reflection and can help us experience God’s nearness through repentance and remorse. The congregation remains seated for this.

4.5.2.15 The Lord's Prayer

The officiant invites the congregation to join in the Lord’s Prayer. He can use words to the following effect:
“Let us rise and join in the prayer which the Lord Jesus taught us.”

The congregation stands while praying the Lord’s Prayer.

4.5.2.16 Absolution

The Lord’s Prayer is followed by the absolution, which is formulated as follows:
“In the commission of my sender, the Apostle, I proclaim unto you the glad tidings: in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, your sins are forgiven. The peace of the Risen One abide with you! Amen.”

This makes it clear that the priestly ministry has been authorised by the apostolate to proclaim the forgiveness of sins.

The absolution is not a prayer. It can be pronounced with eyes open. The text may be read aloud.

The congregation stands during the absolution. The members confirm their believing acceptance of this forgiveness and the peace of Jesus with “Amen”.

4.5.2.17 Eucharistic prayer

The Eucharistic prayer includes praise and thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder of the Lord’s suffering and death. At the same time, it draws attention to the fact that Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion in the circle of His Apostles.

The Eucharistic prayer can therefore include:

• gratitude for the grace bestowed in the forgiveness of sins
• gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ
• gratitude for the institution of Holy Communion by the Lord
• gratitude for the sending of the apostolate in the past and present
• the invocation of the Holy Spirit (epiclesis) who guarantees the presence of the body and blood of Jesus and helps us to receive the meal for salvation and strength.

The Eucharistic prayer is concluded with “Amen”. The congregation reinforces this with “Amen”.

4.5.2.18 Further sacraments and acts

The dispensation of sacraments and other acts of blessing, namely Holy Baptism with water, Holy Sealing, adoption, or confirmation, may follow the absolution and the Eucharistic prayer, but occurs prior to the consecration of Holy Communion.

If several acts are planned, they are performed in the following order:

• Holy Baptism with water
• adoption
• Holy Sealing
• confirmation

These acts can be introduced and concluded with a musical selection.

The forgiveness of sins provides the sanctification required for receiving the sacraments and the aforementioned holy acts. The sacraments and acts also constitute a profession. This is associated with regular participation in Holy Communion.

After these acts, the believers involved receive Holy Communion together with the congregation. This expresses that they are now part of the congregation, and underlines the fellowship characteristic of Holy Communion. The ministers and the congregation together comprise this fellowship of Holy Communion.

4.5.2.19 Introduction to Holy Communion

Following the Eucharistic prayer and the dispensation of sacraments and other holy acts, if applicable, the officiant returns to his or her place behind the altar and introduces Holy Communion.

Recommended introduction to Holy Communion:
“And now we shall celebrate Holy Communion.”

4.5.2.20 Uncovering the communion chalices

The invitation to the celebration of Holy Communion is followed by moments of silence.

The chalices are uncovered in silence.

The chalices are not usually uncovered by the officiant. If no other priestly ministers are present, this liturgical event can be performed by Deacons.

The question of who should uncover the chalices and who should be assigned to serve Holy Communion should be settled before the service.

Once the ministers have uncovered the communion chalices and have returned to their seats, the officiant subsequently announces the beginning of the consecration of the sacramental elements to the congregation with the following recommended wording:
“And now the Lord’s table is prepared.”

4.5.2.21 Consecration

The bread and wine are not changed in their substance when the words of institution are spoken in the consecration. Rather, the substance of Jesus’ body and blood are joined to them (consubstantiation).

In Holy Communion, the bread and wine correspond to the human nature of Christ, while the body and blood correspond to His divine nature.

Bread and wine are not metaphors or symbols for the body and blood of Christ. Rather, the body and blood of Christ are truly present (real presence).

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Golgotha is also present in Holy Communion. So it is that each celebration of Holy Communion allows the participants to envision the sacrificial death of the Lord, such that they can proclaim it with conviction.

During the consecration of the elements, the officiant extends his or her arms, pointing to the chalices with his or her hands. If the chalices are only on one side of the altar, both arms can point in this direction.

The consecration can be spoken with open eyes. Reading of the consecration text is permissible.

Photo 6: Consecration of Holy Communion

Photo 7: Consecration of Holy Communion

Consecration formula

In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,	Beginning of sacrament in the triune name of God
I consecrate	Act
bread and wine for Holy Communion,	Description of the natural elements, the means of the sacrament
and lay thereupon the once brought, eternally valid sacrifice of Jesus Christ.	Envisioning of Christ’s sacrifice in the present and the joining of the body and blood of Jesus Christ (consubstantiation)
For the Lord	Remembrance of the event
took bread and wine,	Reference to natural elements
gave thanks and said:	Thanks to God
“This is My body which is broken for you.	Participation in the life of Christ
This is My blood of the new covenant,	Presence of Christ’s sacrifice
given for many for the remission of sins.	Reference to Christ’s sacrifice as the basis for the forgiveness of sins
Eat and drink!	Invitation to partake of Christ’s body and blood--believers receive the Lord Himself in Holy Communion. (Act is remembrance of Christ and the supper instituted by Him)
Do this in remembrance of Me.”	Meal of remembrance: remembrance of Jesus’ sacrificial death and the institution of Holy Communion in the circle of the Apostles, as well as the promise of His return
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this wine,	Meal of fellowship that takes place repeatedly
you proclaim the Lord’s death	Meal of profession
till He comes.	Eschatological meal
Amen!	Confirmation of that which was previously said.

The consecration formula covers all fundamental aspects of Holy Communion, namely:

• meal of commemoration—remembrance of the institution of Holy Communion and the sacrificial death of Christ, as well as His promise to return
• meal of profession—that is, the profession of the Lord’s sacrificial death, resurrection, and return
• meal of fellowship—fellowship of Jesus with His Apostles, Jesus’ fellowship with the congregation, and fellowship of the members with one another
• eschatological meal—anticipation of fellowship with Jesus Christ in the marriage in heaven.
• presence of Christ’s sacrifice—the events of Golgotha are envisioned in the present
• presence of Christ’s body and blood—the glorified body of the Lord is truly present

4.5.2.22 Holy Communion for the ministers

The officiant picks up a chalice and serves him- or herself Holy Communion.

The congregation remains standing until the ministers at the altar have received Holy Communion from the officiant. This also applies to those ministers who are not seated there. This can be accompanied by a musical contribution.

4.5.2.23 Announcement of musical contributions for the celebration of Holy Communion

Once the officiant has returned to the altar and replaced the communion chalice, the congregation sits down. The officiant then announces the musical contributions to be sung during the celebration of Holy Communion.

4.5.2.24 Invitation to Holy Communion

The congregation is invited with words to the following effect:
“The Lord now invites you to Holy Communion.”

The officiant then hands the communion chalices to the Priests who are to dispense Holy Communion.

Following the distribution of the chalices, the musical contribution can begin. It can also take place after the congregation has received Holy Communion.

In festive divine services with many participants, the distribution of communion chalices can be handled differently, for example, with musical accompaniment.

If applicable, this can be followed in special divine services by an invitation to guests who wish to participate in Holy Communion. The following words can be used to invite them: “Invited are all baptised souls who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, as well as His death, His resurrection, and His return.”

Those regularly authorised to participate include sealed members, adopted members, and those who have received the New Apostolic baptism. Duly baptised guests (that is, those baptised with water and in the triune name of God) are permitted to participate. Those who have not been baptised should not receive Holy Communion. However, no one should be prevented from participating.

4.5.2.25 Handing out the communion chalices

The inner composure of the ministers with regard to Holy Communion should also be reflected in their outward posture. This also applies to the dignified handling of the communion chalices.

Photo 9: The appropriate way to hold a chalice	Photo 10: The appropriate way to hand over a chalice
Photo 11: The appropriate way to hold a paten	Photo 12: The appropriate way to hand over a paten

4.5.2.26 Servin of Holy Communion

The wafers are served with the words:
“The body and blood of Jesus given for you!”

Adults with small children who cannot take the wafer for themselves are served with the words:
“The body and blood of Jesus given for you and your child!”

The wafer should be served in an accentuated manner.

The serving of the body and blood of Christ must never be rushed. When serving Holy Communion anything that could disturb the recipient in his or her devotion, or that might impede the holiness of the sacrament, must be avoided.

The altar should remain occupied by a minister during the celebration of Holy Communion.

The dispensation of Holy Communion is only complete once all those who have a longing have received the holy meal.

4.5.2.27 Replacing the lids on the communion chalices

The communion lids are only replaced once all the participants have returned to their seats and all musical contributions during the celebration of Holy Communion have been completed. As a rule, the same ministers who uncovered the chalices should also cover them again. If Holy Communion for the departed is also to be celebrated, the chalices present on the altar remain open until the end of this sacramental act.

4.5.2.28 Further acts and completion of divine service

On Sundays and church holy days^[35], the apostolate dispenses Holy Communion and possibly also the other sacraments to the departed. These acts are commenced and concluded with a musical contribution. The chalices are only covered again once the last musical contribution has been completed. The congregation remains standing.

If applicable, this is followed by:

• retirement, termination of an appointment or assignment bound to a ministry
• ordination, appointment, assignment, reinstatement
• termination of, or assignment to, a service that is not bound to a ministry
• engagement blessing, wedding blessing, wedding anniversary blessing

A musical piece may also be performed. The congregation is seated in this case.