Dear Luther Community,
It has been wonderful to see you come together this week through the RFS. I want to apologize for a significant challenge that arose in the Service of Holy Communion on Wednesday: it was unclear to many that wine would be present at the service, which is problematic as we welcome people with a variety of health concerns, sobriety practices, and personal faith practices. I am sorry and we will do better.
In the past we have used bulletins that include language/instruction about Communion, notably that there are options for bread or gluten free crackers, wine (red) or grape juice (clear). That language was lost in our shift to using the projector. I apologize. That was an oversight that was not intentional. I deeply regret it.
Going forward, we will have more clear signs and instructions.
If you would like to talk more, please know you can share your frustration or disappointment openly with me by emailing sempastor@luthersem.edu or, if you feel more comfortable, you can email our Director of Inclusion and Belonging, Samuel Zalanga, at abide@luthersem.edu.
Jeni Grangaard
Luther Seminary Pastor