In the Bible we read that: "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). Through Communion (or the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist) Christians follow Jesus’ command by remembering His last supper with His disciples (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 13-17).

So is it "Communion" or "The Lord’s Supper" or what?

Because this service does recall Jesus’ last meal with His disciples, we often do 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 (by passing them hand to hand), celebrate the shared salvation we have in Jesus, and the shared ministry we have as parts of the body of Christ, the church. In some churches the service is called the "Eucharist" which literally 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?

You will notice from the Biblical texts that Jesus and His disciples had met in Jerusalem to celebrate the annual Jewish Passover meal. This was not a coincidence! Jesus used much of the symbolism of the Passover as He met with His followers.

The Passover meal was an annual celebration at which the Jewish people remembered how they were miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt (if you are interested, read Exodus 12). The Jewish people were instructed to sprinkle the blood of an unblemished lamb on the doorposts of their homes so that when an angel of death came upon Egypt, their homes were "passed over." They ate the lamb, bitter herbs and unleavened bread (because they were in a hurry), dressed in travelling clothes. They Jewish people were delivered from slavery in Egypt.

Jesus emphasizes that He is the pure, unblemished Lamb of God, whose blood would save His people from slavery to sin! His death – His shed blood and broken blood – would cause God’s wrath to "pass over" those who have faith in Him! (See Romans 6)

The meal is symbolic. We do believe that Jesus is present in a special way during the service. 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 anticipate Jesus’ return. And it is a time to be thankful for the church, Jesus’ body here on earth today. It is a wonderful time for self-examination, thanksgiving, and deep personal and corporate prayer to God.

But we do not believe that the service is somehow "magical" – that the bread and cup somehow miraculously cleanse us from our sins (that is done by confessing our sins in prayer). Nor do we believe that the bread and the cup somehow turn into the actual body and blood of Jesus.

Who should participate in Communion?

All people who know Jesus as their personal Saviour are invited to participate. We recognize that the church of Jesus Christ is larger than our local congregation – so members and friends from other congregations are welcome.

We would discourage people who have not yet made a profession of faith in Jesus from participating, because the symbolism will not be meaningful, and the service will not be helpful.

How do I participate?

Practically: Normally the pastor and several other church members will lead the communion service. Words of introduction will be spoken. A prayer for the bread will be offered. And a plate of bread will be passed down the rows. Please take a piece 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.

A prayer for the cup will be offered. And 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.

Afterwards we normally sing a hymn, and depart for fellowship.

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

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.

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 through our Christian lives.