Eucharistic Prayer and Theology

Convener: Carl P. Rabbe (carl.rabbe@garrett.edu) is an ELCA Minister of Word and Sacrament, Lower Susquehanna Synod.

Members in Attendance: Fred Anderson, Carl Rabbe, John Rempel

Description of Work:

• Review of an Anabaptist Lord’s Supper liturgy and prayer texts supplied by John Rempel. Extensive discussion followed on the topics of eucharistic fellowship and discipline. At the seminar’s suggestion, the convener will schedule a series of ZOOM meetings on these topics later in 2023, with the goal of incorporating more traditions than could be represented this year.

• Discussion and comments upon the eucharistic motifs in Fred Anderson’s new book, which the group highly recommends for all members’ perusal.

• Presentation by Carl Rabbe of several contemporary Lutheran eucharistic prayers, exploring questions of address to God vs. the assembly, and exploring how to further unpack the concept of God’s creative action in eucharistic prayer.

• Completion of discussions begun over ZOOM the previous two years regarding issues of virtual eucharistic celebration. The seminar group noted how the published materials on this topic faded from the public eye quite quickly as the pandemic shifted, and we considered what role this might play in the mission of the Church in an increasingly online world.

Other Work and Plans for the Future:

• ZOOM meetings will be held over the course of 2023 to both further the discussions begun in Toronto and to gauge participation plans for Seattle.

• The group was reminded that succession planning should begin for a transition of conveners in 2026, as well as recruitment among our visitors to the Academy.