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What is Communion?

Communion (the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist) was instituted by our Lord Jesus on the night before His crucifixion as a picture of how the death, burial, and resurrection has changed our lives and eternity through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ. (Matt 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23, 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

Jesus intended for Communion to be celebrated by the church until He returns so that we would be regularly reminded of His death and return (1 Cor. 11:26).

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Who can participate
in Communion?

As a part of His final instructions, the Lord gave us the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20), and He instructed the church to 1) go make disciples, 2) baptize them, and 3) teach them to observe His commands, which includes taking part in Communion. Based on this, we believe those who take communion should be born-again, baptized believers in Jesus Christ.

learn more about baptism
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What does Communion
mean today?

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This special commandment (ordinance) can be summed up in the words of Christ, "…do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). It's a symbolic act of obedience that causes us to remember the death of our Lord and anticipate His second coming. Communion does not wash away sins or make us right before God. That powerful reality only takes place by accepting Christ as our Savior (Eph. 2:8-9).

Jesus died, was raised from the dead and He is coming again one day. Communion points to these glorious events. Share in Communion with great reverence, gratitude, devotion, and worship!

SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS

Help your children

If you will have children in the service, if possible, take some time to share with them in advance that each of these elements have a spiritual meaning and that unless that have been saved and baptized in the Body of Christ, they should not partake of the elements. Then, show them by example that Communion has a very special meaning to you by the way you participate in front of them. 

Preparation/observance

It's important to take some time before we come together for Communion and evaluate your heart before God.

"Is there anything in my life that needs to be resolved before I share in this special time of worship that represents the sacrifice He made for me? Is there any clear direction that God is giving to my life that I am ignoring?"

If there is, take time to make it right before God and those involved before taking Communion. (I Cor. 11:27-32, Ps. 139:23-24). Even during the observance, this reflection should continue along with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise for what Communion symbolizes.