THOUGHTS FROM CHIEF APOSTLE SCHNEIDER
Service for the Departed
We are preparing to celebrate the upcoming divine service for the departed, where the souls that have been prepared will receive the sacraments: for some, Holy Baptism with water, for others, Holy Sealing. Then, as every Sunday, the Lord will invite the departed to His table to celebrate Holy Communion.
Most of the preparation for the souls who will receive the sacraments took place before that day. It is receiving the word in previous services which instilled faith in them, the will to follow the Lord and to prepare for His return, as well as the desire to receive the sacraments. By our prayers and example, we have tried to show them the way to the Lord and to help them with this task.
In fact, the yonder world is present at every divine service. The departed join us in praising and worshipping God. They pray with us and for us. Through the preaching, the Holy Spirit speaks to both the living and the dead. In this sense, the service for the departed should not be an exception: it is also intended for the entire congregation, visible and invisible. Let us reflect this in our prayers and serving!