Understanding the Sacraments

The Lord’s Supper

We normally serve the Lord’s Supper (Communion) on the first Sunday of each month. Traditionally we are served by intinction, that is, the congregation comes forward at the appropriate time and is served from a common loaf of bread (gluten free bread is available) and we dip the bread in the common cup of grape juice (alcohol free). Those unable to come forward are served at their seat by the elders and deacons of the church.

Jesus Christ in the Passover meal (the Last Supper) with His disciples instituted the Lord’s Supper for His Church:

The Master, Jesus, on the night of his betrayal, took bread. Having given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, broken for you. Do this to remember me.”
After supper, he did the same thing with the cup: “This cup is my blood, my new covenant with you. Each time you drink this cup, remember me.”
What you must solemnly realize is that every time you eat this bread and every time you drink this cup, you reenact in your words and actions the death of the Master. You will be drawn back to this meal again and again until the Master returns. – I Corinthians 11:23b-26a (The Message)

The Lord’s Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. Around the Table of the Lord, God’s people are in communion with Christ and with all who belong to Christ. All (Not just Presbyterians!) the baptized faithful and their children are to be welcomed to the Table, and none shall be excluded because of race, sex, age, economic status, social class, handicapping condition, difference of culture or language, or any barrier created by human injustice. Coming to the Lord’s Table the faithful are actively to seek reconciliation in every instance of conflict or division between them and their neighbors.