What is communion at First Congregational about? Well there is a lot to unpack there. First, we are an informal congregation, which for us means that it is open to any believer regardless of whether they are a member or not. It is also open to people of any age (although it is a parents choice on whether their children should take it or not). Communion is however a very important sacrament for us. We believe it is our way of remembering Christ’s sacrafice for each one of us. Jesus told us, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22: 19-20). You can read more about it below.
The UCC website describes Communion as follows:
Sacraments are ritual actions in worship which, according to Scripture, were instituted by Jesus. In the sacraments of baptism and communion we ask the Holy Spirit to use water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ.
The Sacrament of Communion is:
· a joyous act of thanksgiving for all God has done, is doing, and will do for the redeeming of creation;
· a sacred memorial of the crucified and risen Christ, a living and effective sign of Christ’s sacrifice in which Christ is truly and rightly present to those who eat and drink;
· an earnest prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit to unite those who partake with the Risen Christ and with each other, and to restore creation, making all things new;
· an intimate experience of fellowship in which the whole church in every time and place is present and divisions are overcome; · a hopeful sign of the promised Realm of God marked by justice, love and peace.