“On the night He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body which is given (or broken) for you.  Do this in remembrance of me.’ 

“In the same way, He took the cup of wine after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and you, sealed by the shedding of my blood.  Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.’  For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He comes again.”  (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

On the night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest He shared one last meal with His disciples.  Jesus interpreted this “last supper” as a rich, symbolic event. 

He commanded His people to celebrate this meal as a part of their worship.  Through Communion we celebrate Jesus’ last meal with His disciples (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13-17).

“Communion” or “The Lord’s Supper”?

Because this service does recall Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, we can call it “The Lord’s Supper.”  Historically it has also been called “Communion,” from the word “common,” which emphasizes the sharing aspect of the service.  We share the bread and cup (passing them hand to hand), celebrate the shared salvation we have in Jesus, and the shared ministry we have as the body of Christ, the church. 

In some churches the service is called the “Eucharist” which means “good gifts.”  This points to the wonderful gifts Jesus has given us – His broken body and shed blood – which secure our salvation.   Roman Catholics prefer the word “mass” which simply means “meal.”

What is the symbolism of the meal?

The Biblical context of Jesus’ last supper is this:  He and His disciples had met in Jerusalem to celebrate the annual Jewish Passover meal.  The Jewish people remembered how they had been miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12).  They had been instructed to sprinkle the blood of a lamb on the doorposts of their homes so that when an angel of death came through Egypt, their homes were “passed over.”  They were literally saved by the blood of a lamb. 

Jesus used much of the symbolism of the Passover as He met with His followers.  During the last supper, Jesus emphasizes that He is the pure “Lamb of God,” whose shed blood saves His people — not from slavery to sin!  His death – His shed blood and broken body – would cause God’s wrath to “pass over” those who have faith in Him!  While the blood of the lamb back in Egypt saved the Jews from physical slavery and death, Jesus’ blood saves people spiritually — from sin and eternal death!

We can grow in our faith as we meditate upon  Jesus’ death for us.  It is a time to reflect upon our absolute dependence upon God.  It is a time to thank God for His gracious love and the gifts of eternal life, forgiveness, and blessings.  It is a time to anticipate Jesus’ return.  And it is a time to be thankful for the church, Jesus’ body here on earth today.   It is a time for self-examination, thanksgiving, personal and corporate prayer.

Should I participate in Communion?

All people who know Jesus as their personal Saviour are invited to participate.  The church of Jesus Christ is larger than our local congregation – so friends from other congregations are welcome.  We encourage people who have not yet made a profession of faith in Jesus to observe, not to participate, because the symbolism will not be meaningful and the service will not be helpful.

How do I participate?

Spiritually:  Communion is an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal.  Here are some attitudes to nurture as you participate:

- Self-examination:  We confess our sins to God; we recognize our complete dependence upon Him.

- Remembrance:  We remember Jesus and recall His death – in our place – upon the cross.

- Thanksgiving:  We thank God for His goodness to us; blessings we do not deserve.  We thank Jesus for His amazing sacrifice.

- Anticipation:  We look forward to Jesus’ glorious return — one day, some day.

- Fellowship:  We celebrate and thank God for Jesus’ body – the church – our church – which can encourage us, challenge us, teach us, help us, and minister to us throughout our Christian lives.

Practically:  Normally the pastor and several other church members will lead the communion service.  A prayer for the bread and the cup will be offered.  And a plate of bread will be passed down the rows.  Please take a piece of bread as the plate comes by and pass the plate along.  Use the quiet time for prayer and meditation.  After everyone has been served, the pastor will invite everyone to eat.  This will be followed by a quiet time for prayer and reflection.  Next, a tray of cups will be passed down the rows.  Please take a cup as the tray comes by and pass the tray along.  Use the quiet time for prayer and meditation.  After everyone has been served, the pastor will invite everyone to drink.  This will be followed by a quiet time for prayer and reflection.  We usually conclude with a song or hymn,   followed by a time of fellowship and encouragement!

Questions???  Please do not hesitate to speak with one of the staff!