<P> For Lutherans the Eucharist is not considered to be a valid sacrament unless the elements are used according to Christ's mandate and institution (consecration, distribution, and reception). This was first formulated in the Wittenberg Concord of 1536 in the formula: Nihil habet rationem sacramenti extra usum a Christo institutum ("Nothing has the character of a sacrament apart from the use instituted by Christ"). To remove any scruple of doubt or superstition, the reliquiæ traditionally are either consumed, poured into the earth, or reserved (see below). In most Lutheran congregations, the administration of private communion of the sick and "shut - in" (those too feeble to attend services) involves a completely separate service of the Eucharist for which the sacramental elements are consecrated by the celebrant . </P> <P> Today, many Lutheran churches offer the Eucharist weekly, while others offer it less often . Weddings and funerals sometimes include the celebration of the Eucharist in Lutheran churches . At the ordinations of pastors / priests and the consecration of bishops, the Eucharist is always offered . </P> <P> The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its congregations practice open communion--meaning that Holy Communion is offered to all baptized Christians who have confessed their sins and received absolution . Congregations in the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod practice closed communion, meaning that Lutheran catechetical instruction is required for all people before receiving the Eucharist, though some congregations in these synods simply either ask that one speak to the pastor before the service to confirm their common faith or acknowledge this on their attendance card . For Lutherans in general, confession and absolution are considered proper preparation for receiving the sacrament . However, the historic practice among Lutherans of preparation by private confession and absolution is rarely found in American Lutheran congregations . For this reason, often a brief order or corporate rite of confession and absolution is included at the beginning of Lutheran liturgies . </P> <P> A growing number of congregations in the ELCA, offer instruction to baptized children generally between the ages of 6 - 8 and, after a relatively short period of catechetical instruction, the children are admitted to partake of the Eucharist . Most other ELCA congregations offer First Communion instruction to children in the 5th grade . In other Lutheran churches, the person must have receive confirmation before receiving the Eucharist . Infants and children who haven't received the catechetical instruction (or confirmation) may be brought to the Eucharistic distribution by their parents to be blessed by the pastor . </P>

Who can take communion in the lutheran church
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