Dear Church Family,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on a sacred and profound practice we share as believers: Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper.
What is Communion?
Communion is one of the most significant and sacred acts of worship in the Christian faith. It is a practice instituted by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper, as recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:14-20). Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion, and during this meal, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Similarly, He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
The Significance of Communion
Communion serves multiple purposes and carries deep spiritual significance:
Remembrance: When we partake in Communion, we remember the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. The bread symbolizes His broken body, and the wine (or grape juice) represents His shed blood. This act of remembrance helps us to keep the foundation of our faith—the sacrifice of Jesus—at the forefront of our minds.
Proclamation: Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:26, "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Through Communion, we declare our faith in Jesus' atoning sacrifice and our hope in His return.
Fellowship: Communion is also a time of unity and fellowship among believers. As we share in the bread and the cup, we recognize that we are one body in Christ, called to love and support one another. It is a moment of spiritual solidarity and communal worship.
Examination: Before partaking in Communion, believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and seek forgiveness for any sins. This practice, based on 1 Corinthians 11:28, ensures that we approach the Lord's Table with reverence and purity, fully aware of the gravity and grace of the moment.
Nourishment: Just as physical food nourishes our bodies, Communion nourishes our souls. It is a means of grace that strengthens our faith, renews our spirits, and deepens our relationship with Jesus Christ.
How We Observe Communion
In our church, we observe Communion regularly as a vital part of our worship services. The elements—the bread and the cup—are distributed to all baptized believers who have professed faith in Jesus Christ. We do this with a spirit of reverence, gratitude, and joy, knowing that we are participating in a holy mystery that connects us to the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior.
As we continue to gather around the Lord's Table, let us do so with hearts full of love, gratitude, and reverence. May Communion always remind us of the immense love Jesus has for each one of us and the profound sacrifice He made to redeem us.
In Christ's Love,
Bill Doane
