Holy CommunionHoly Communion, commonly called the Lord's Supper, is one of two sacraments for Presbyterians. The initial action of this “divine meal” begins with God. God in Jesus the Christ offers the bread and the cup and bids us come. It is the Lord's feast, hosted by the One who promises an ultimate continuous feast in the Kingdom of God. Under the enabling power of the Holy Spirit the divine host is made present so that a bond of unity can exist among those present and those unseen.
The elements of bread and wine are a memorial of Jesus' death; they have no special power. When we receive the sacrament, we are remembering that Jesus died for us. The host welcomes all who accept the invitation to the Table. We who come need not be concerned about our personal appearance or aptitude. What matters is that the love, the grace and the hospitality of the host create unanimity among us. This meal is provided, not because we have earned the right to eat and drink with Jesus, but simply as an act of divine love.
the first Sunday of each month and on a few other occasions during the year. Anyone who professes a faith in Jesus Christ may partake of the bread and the cup. (Out of respect for visitors and members who may have an allergy or aversion to alcohol, we use grape juice instead of wine.)
when we celebrate communion, people are asked to come forward to receive the bread form one of the pastors and dip it into the cup (intinction.)
church officers called Elders serve the people in the pews. Trays with the bread broken into small portions are passed along with separate trays filled with small cups of grape juice. We eat the bread as we are served, and we hold the cup for a sign from the pastor to drink together. No one is required to partake.
