The Lord's Table was set with communion ware made in Bethlehem, Jesus's birthplace, a gift to the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America of which Immanuel is a member, from the people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) and made possible through ELCA Global Mission.

      Its journey to Immanuel began at the 2005 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, FL, and continues throughout the 65 synods of the ELCA, traveling from congregation to congregation and then to the 2006 Synod Assemblies.

      Its Southeastern Iowa Synod journey will end in November at Palestine Lutheran Church, 1375 Highway 210, in Huxley.

      Immanuel interim Pastor Bill Killestad, who conducted the service, provided a flyer that explains, "The communion ware is a tangible reminder of our connection to the Holy Land and our shared mission. As Christians, we are one body, living in God's amazing grace and working for peace in God's world."

It also reads, "Our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ ask us to remember them and their Muslim and Jewish neighbors in our prayers."

It states that "as we are filled at the table with the treasure of Christ's presence, we become God's earthen vessels . . . we are all sent into the world as Christ's vessels of justice, reconciliation and peace."

Members and the congregation were asked to learn what they can do to support peace efforts in the Holy Land.      

Luther Seminary's communion bread, made from whole wheat and white flour with honey and molasses, was used for the special service. The recipe has been in existence for more than 20 years.

      In July 2003 Luther Seminary dining services staff baked an estimated 675 loaves for the ELCA's youth gathering in Florida for their mass Eucharist.