So Moses told the Israelites to celebrate the Passover
From Background Notes [BN] for April 21st & 22nd written by Pastor Bob Brown:
As the children take part in Communion, we remind them of the serious nature of Communion, but also the celebratory aspects as well. For too long, the sober and the solemn have ruled the Communion service. It is time to reclaim the celebratory, grace-giving nature of Communion. It is a serious time, but also one of great grace and love from God.
Key points of instruction for children taking First Communion:
1. Communion is a serious time.
Taking part in the communion service is a serious experience. It is not something we do lightly. But, it is nothing to fear. When taking communion, focus on what God has done and wants to do in and through you.
2. Realize God is with you.
When you take communion, God is present with you. Taking communion is more than just an empty action. Jesus promised that when you take communion, He will be there with you.
3. The word “elements” means the bread and the juice.
The pastor will use the word “elements” to mean the bread and juice being used in communion. The elements (bread and juice) give us physical thing objects represent the spiritual activity God is doing.
4. The pastor may serve communion is several different ways.
Sometimes, the pastor will have everyone come forward, and receive communion at the front. Other times, the pastor may pass the elements down each row. The bread may look like a loaf of bread you break a piece from, or it may be a wafer. The juice may be in small cups, or you may dip the bread in a single, large cup. There are several different ways of distributing communion.
5. The person giving you the elements may say something to you.
When a person gives you the bread they may say, “This is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was broken for you.” The person giving the juice may say, “This is the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for you.” These words help us remember that Jesus sacrificed himself for us.
6. Eat the bread and drink the juice.
Listen carefully to the pastor’s instructions. Your pastor will tell you when you should eat the bread and drink the juice. Sometimes he or she will have you eat the bread and drink the juice while you are still at the front. Sometimes, he or she will have you wait until everyone has the elements.
7. When finished, wait patiently and pray.
Communion is a spiritual time between you and God. Use the time following Communion to continue focusing your thoughts on God and what He might be saying to you. God may ask you to confess a sin, give Him an area of your life, or begin doing something for Him. [BN, 4]
Join us this week in Study, Worship, Praise and Celebration at ChicagoFirstChurch of the Nazarene –
* Saturday 6:00pm
* Sunday 8:30am & 11:00am, 5:30pm
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