Eucharist (YOO-kuh-rist) A Greek word meaning “thanksgiving” used in reference to the meal of Holy Communion. We call this meal Eucharist because we eat and drink in a spirit of thanksgiving. (via Baptized, We Live)   Luke 22:19–20 19 Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and…

Kyrie (KEER-ee-ay) A short repeated invocation (in Greek or in translation) used in many Christian liturgies, especially at the beginning of the Eucharist or as a response in a litany. The word comes from Greek Kuriē eleēson ‘Lord, have mercy’. (via The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable) Mark 10:47 46 They came to Jericho. As…

Sacrament An act that imparts God’s grace, using visible means, connected with the Word of God, and commanded by Christ; for Lutherans, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that…

Liturgy Liturgy (meaning “work of the people”) is what we do when we gather to worship. The chief liturgy of Lutherans is the Holy Communion, the weekly Lord’s day event when we (1) hear the reading and proclamation of scripture and (2) act out the Gospel in the ritual drama of a meal. We believe…

Salvation God’s work to rescue us from the consequences of our sin, so that we might live in restored relationship on this earth and eternally. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Titus 3:4-5 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we…

Atonement The work of Jesus to restore our relationship with God. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Romans 5:10-11 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 But more than that, we even boast in…