 Communion
Communion (which is sometimes called the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion or the Eucharist) is a time to renew faith and strengthen participants for the duties and privileges of Christian service. In Communion, the bread and the wine represent the sacrifice of Christ in his death on the cross and recall the last meal shared with the Apostles. Together, they symbolize the new promise between God and all the people.
As communion is a means of grace and a sign of God’s blessing, John Calvin argued that it should be observed every week. The Presbyterian Book of Order refrains from dictating, but instructs elders to ensure “regular and frequent celebration of the sacrament.” As a way of emphasizing the gift of communion and giving more frequent opportunity for participation, the Session has adopted a monthly Communion schedule for First Presbyterian Church, Marietta.
Holy Communion is celebrated in all services on the first Sunday in every month, as well as Easter, Christmas and special occasions. The serving of communion will alternate monthly between communion served to worshippers in the pews and served by intinction with worshippers receiving the elements from their pastors and elders at the communion table
All who have accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ, as their Savior may participate in the receiving of Communion. It is important to remember that God calls us into this covenantal ceremony with only pure hearts. Therefore, it is right and appropriate to only take Communion when your heart is free of entanglements that would otherwise distract you from the holiness of the ceremony. Please consider using the time prior to Communion as a time to reflect, pray, confess and forgive.
Children & Communion
When
can my child take Communion? This is a question parents ponder as their children reach the developmental age that allows them to sit through a worship service and request participation in the Lord's Supper. This age varies depending on the child. Readiness to receive the Lord's Supper varies also, and is determined by parents after considering a number of questions.
The Book of Order of the PC(USA) states
that “invitation to the Lord’s Supper is extended
to all who have been baptized ...Baptized children who are
being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation
to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited
to receive the Lord’s Supper, recognizing that their
understanding of participation will vary according to their
maturity”. (W-2.4011)
So the questions to be answered are these:
- Has my child been Baptized?
- Have I taught my child what Communion is about or has my child been to a sacraments class?
- Do I feel my child understands on his or her own level what it means to take Communion?
Affirmative answers to these questions indicate that the child
is ready and is welcome to receive the Lord’s Supper. To assist parents in this determination, the Christian Education department offers How to Worship and Sacraments classes in September of each year. Materials for individual instruction can be borrowed from the Christian Education Resource Room. |
