What is Communion?
Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, is Christ's gift to the church. On the night in which he was betrayed, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and shared it with his disciples. "This is my body that is for you," he said. "Do this in remembrance of me." He also took a cup of wine and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me." Following Jesus' example and instruction, when the church celebrates the Lord's Supper we receive gifts of bread and wine; we give thanks to God; we break the bread and pour the wine; we share the food and drink with each other. In these simple actions, believers experience a profound mystery: Christ himself is spiritually present and his life passes into us and is made ours. As baptism is the sign and seal of our ingrafting into Christ, so the Lord's Supper is a means by which Christ continually nourishes, strengthens, and comforts us.
What Happens During Communion?
Through our prayers and the sharing of bread and wine, we are joined to Christ and through Christ to each other. At the table, we remember what God has done for us. The past event of our Lord's death, resurrection, and ascension comes into the present so that its power once again touches us, changes us, and heals us. We gather at the table with joy. Our eating and drinking is a celebration of our risen Lord. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ is present with us at the table and so we give joyful thanks for what God has done and is doing in our lives and in the world. We come to the table in hope. We look forward with joyful anticipation of the coming reign of God when "Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other" (Psalm 85:10).
How Does South Blendon Celebrate Communion?
We celebrate communion seven times a year. Sometimes we serve the bread and cup separately as people sit in their seats. Sometimes we practice intinction (dipping the bread in the cup) as people come forward to the table. It depends on the meanings we want to draw upon during that particular service.
Who May Participate in Communion?
Christ is the host and invites us to his table. All who have been baptized into Christ are welcome to participate in the Lord's Supper, we prefer baptized children participate in the Lord’s Supper only after having been trained in the meaning of communion and at the parent’s approval.