Communion
Here at Spring Garden Church, we believe that communion is a way in which all who are followers of Jesus Christ can come to a table of fellowship and share what Jesus has done for us and continues to do in and through us. Most Christian churches participate in this act and refer to it by other names such as “The Lord’s Table” and “the Eucharist.” We believe that we are all on a journey, and what’s important is that we move towards a deeper relationship with Jesus. We believe that children can come and be welcomed to the table and that it is up to you, parents, and caregivers to discern with your child when it’s the right time to participate in communion. Whether or not your child is ready, we want everyone to feel welcomed at the table, so we provide a blessing for those who choose not to receive the bread and the cup. We want to partner with you and encourage you to have this discussion with your child as part of his/her discipleship.
Things to consider as you speak with your child about Communion:
Communion is a means of grace. We believe that Communion is a powerful act. We believe that Jesus is present in the bread and the cup as a grace freely offered to all. In that holy moment of eating and drinking, we together as the body of Christ are sharing together the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
It’s not our table. A common invitation within many traditions around communion is this phrase: “This is not our table, it is the table of the Lord.” Jesus practiced open table fellowship in his lifetime and calls all of us to eat, drink and be in communion with Him and with one another. It is not up to us to decide who can and cannot come to the table of Jesus.
There’s no kiddie table. We believe children & youth are not only the church of tomorrow but the church of today. Therefore, we provide a blessing for those who are not ready or do not feel as though they are ready on a particular Sunday to receive the bread and the cup.
No one fully understands what’s going on at this table. People often say, “We don’t bring our kids until they know what’s going on.” We believe that communion is more than just a symbol or a remembering act. We believe that none of us fully understand what’s going on. We receive communion in faith, trusting that something mysterious happens as we remember and celebrate together what Jesus did for us. The triune God is present in the bread and the cup, but there is an element of mystery in the act that is unknowable. There is no comprehension test that needs to be passed in order to join Jesus at His table. The act in itself is an act of faith, a way of receiving grace and a witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What is Communion?
A historical event that happened which can be found in the gospels. We recommend reading the passage with your child:
You can watch a video clip from What’s in the Bible with your child and ask some questions based on the video:
What was the Passover?
What did Jesus do at the Passover meal that was different?
What does it mean that Jesus is the Passover lamb?
What happened when Jesus died on the cross?
Why do we celebrate Easter Sunday?
How do we become part of the new Kingdom of God?
Why Do We Receive Communion?
Teach your child that we receive communion because Jesus instructed us to and because it is a way of remembering and celebrating what He did for us as well as his presence with us as the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:26 tells us that as often as we eat of the bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.
How Do We Receive Communion?
Read through 1 Corinthians 11:28-29 with your child to talk about the posture and spirit in which to receive communion.
Communion is done differently at every church and that is ok. Coach them through the logistics and timing of when to get the bread and the juice.
Encourage them to spend some time praying before they receive communion
You can use this bookmark as a way to guide them through the steps they can take
Get Involved
We want people of our community to use their gifts to serve God and to love one another. We all have something to offer whether you are a parent or not.
Please speak to Holly Grimmer for ways to get involved!