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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to you today to share a reflection on the life of Noah, a man of unwavering faith and obedience to God's instructions. Noah's story, as recounted in the book of Genesis, offers us profound lessons on trust, perseverance, and righteousness.

In Genesis 6:9, Noah is described as "a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." This simple yet powerful statement sets the stage for one of the most remarkable acts of obedience recorded in the Bible. When God saw the wickedness of humanity and decided to bring a great flood to cleanse the earth, He chose Noah to build an ark that would preserve human and animal life.

God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build the ark, down to its dimensions and the materials to be used. Despite the seemingly impossible task and the skepticism of those around him, Noah followed God's commands without hesitation. Genesis 6:22 tells us, "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." This obedience was not just a matter of compliance; it was an expression of Noah's deep faith and trust in God's wisdom and plan.

Noah's faithfulness is a powerful reminder for us today. We may not be called to build an ark, but we are often called to act in faith, even when God's plans for us seem unclear or daunting. Noah's story encourages us to listen to God's voice, trust in His guidance, and act according to His will, regardless of the challenges we face or the opinions of others.

As we reflect on Noah's example, let us also consider how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. Are we listening for God's instructions? Are we willing to step out in faith, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources and strength to accomplish His purposes? Are we prepared to persevere in obedience, even when the path ahead seems uncertain?

I encourage each of you to take time in prayer and meditation, seeking to hear God's voice and discern His will for your life. Let us strive to be like Noah, walking faithfully with God and responding to His call with unwavering obedience.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His peace be with you always.

In Christ,

Bill Doane