Communion
Communion is
the second of two sacraments in
The Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.
This sacrament is both a commemoration of Christ’s last supper before his
betrayal and death, and an enactment of his table fellowship with his followers
after his resurrection. Communion is often referred as “the Lord Supper.”
This ritual meal is a time of joyful thanksgiving (Eucharist) and holy encounter (Communion)
with our Risen Lord in which we are nourished by his real presence. Through bread and
wine the Risen Lord gives us the gift of himself – his body and blood – to nourish
and strengthen us in faith and faithfulness.
The sacrament is served in one of several ways at our church on the first Sunday of every month and on certain holy days. Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday are examples. Most often the sacrament is served to congregants in their pews using trays of bread and grape juice. During the distribution of the bread and cup, the choir sings an appropriate anthem or leads the congregation in singing a Taizé song. The sacrament is also served by intinction.. The term, “Intinction,” comes from the Latin word, tincture, meaning to color. Worshippers come forward, down the center aisle, to receive bread and then dip their bread in a cup of grape juice. Those who are unable to come down the aisle are served in their pews by elders.
Who may receive the sacrament?
Baptized Christians of any church affiliation are to welcome at
Christ’s table, where Christ himself is host.
May my children receive the sacrament?
The Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., baptized children are permitted to receive the sacrament when a parent believes that their child understands the meaning and significance of this holy meal. The tradition of
our church is for children in the first grade to receive the sacrament on Maundy Thursday after a formal period of instruction.
How may I receive the sacrament if I am
unable to attend
worship due to an illness?
At our church, when the congregation gathers to celebrate the Lord’s
Supper, we extend the Lord’s Table to those who are ill or disabled by having
elders and deacons carry and serve bread and wine in homes. Extending the service
of Communion links the serving of Communion outside the church with the congregation’s
celebration of the sacrament in the sanctuary while maintaining the unity of the Word
and Sacrament by providing for scripture reading and prayer; extends the celebration
of the gathered congregation; encourages the people in worship in the worship and
service of God; and comforts and cares for the people of God.