|
COMMUNION: An act or instance of sharing. An intimate fellowship or rapport.
-Merriam Webster
Three of the four Gospels paint a familiar picture of Jesus’ words at the Last Supper. For many of us, we have heard these vital words so many times, it’s easy not to really hear them anymore. “This is my body…This is my blood…” (Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:17-20).
But then there’s the Gospel of John.
If your spirit needs a reminder of the beauty of the Last Supper, you might start with John 13-17. What other Gospels discuss in several verses, John takes four chapters to describe. He writes of a lesson-packed Passover meal. Not only does Jesus predict Peter’s denial (13:36-38) and Judas’ deceit (13:21-30), as in other Gospels, but he washes the feet of His disciples (13:1-20). He promises the Holy Spirit (14:15, 16:5-15). He delivers the High Priestly Prayer (17:1-26). He gives a new Commandment, and states that it is Love that will separate His followers from the rest of the world (13:34-35). John describes those Jesus loved in the world as those, “he loved to the end (13:1).”
These are lessons worth remembering and sharing. Communion reminds us of this Once-In-A-World kind of love. What a gift to remember it and celebrate while sitting next to our children. They may not understand the significance right away, but we will do our best to teach them over time. The act of sharing in the bread and cup together is a sacrament that knits us together as a church community, a community of those He loved to the end. Perhaps remembering that this week will allow the words we’ve heard so many times to sound fresh in our ears and sink deep into our hearts.
Communion Sunday: The First Sunday of Every Month at CPC
Beginning February 5, our children (K-5) and youth (6-12) will be returning to the sanctuary during the 9am service to be present for communion.
Youth will begin downstairs as usual. Children will participate in the children’s message and then proceed to Sunday School as normal.
Led by their teachers, children (K-5) and youth will RETURN to the sanctuary BEFORE communion, either sitting with their families or with Youth and Children’s Ministry staff.
Children who have not yet received communion are welcome and encouraged to come forward for a personal blessing.
Children and youth will remain in the sanctuary for the rest of the service.
***PRESCHOOLERS will still go to their classroom after the Time with Young Disciples and remain there until picked up by a parent at the end of the service. There are no changes for Preschoolers.***
SAVE THE DATE: Communion Class with be offered April 30th
Children in 3rd grade and higher are invited to attend, with parents, to gain an understating of the sacrament. This allows families to decide together whether children are ready to participate in taking communion during worship at CPC. The class is not a requirement to take communion.
| 
