Sacrament: Similar to the Protestant version of communion, or the Lord’s Supper. Observed weekly in LDS services, with bread and water serving as elements, to renew the covenants made at baptism.
According to the Church Handbook of Instructions, “Church members meet on the Sabbath to worship God and partake of the sacrament (see D&C 20:75; 59:9). During this holy ordinance, they partake of bread and water in remembrance of the Savior’s flesh and blood and to renew their baptismal covenants (see Matthew 26:26-28; Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 14:20-25; Luke 22:15-20; 3 Nephi 18; Moroni 6:6)” (Church Handbook of Instructions, 1998, p. 28). It also explains, “Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of the sacrament” (Ibid).
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