Communion at Emmanuel

It was during the age-old celebration of the Passover, on the eve of His death, that Jesus instituted a significant new fellowship meal that we observe to this day. It remains an integral part of Christian worship, reminding us of our Lord’s death and resurrection and directing our hearts to look forward to His glorious return.

The Lord’s Supper is founded on the Passover, which was the most sacred feast of the Jewish religious year. During the Last Supper—a Passover celebration—Jesus took a loaf of bread and gave thanks to God. As He broke it and gave it to His disciples, He said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19–21). He concluded the feast by singing a hymn (Matthew 26:30), and they went out into the night to the Mount of Olives. It was there that, as predicted, Jesus was betrayed by Judas. The following day, Jesus was crucified.

The accounts of the Lord’s Supper are found in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:17–25; Luke 22:7–22; and John 13:21–30). The apostle Paul also wrote about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23–29. In keeping with Paul’s instruction, we are encouraged to examine ourselves before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

At Emmanuel, we celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month (unless it falls on a holiday) during our services. We begin with a brief teaching and prayer, followed by the passing of the juice and bread, which we take together at the pastor’s instruction. You are welcome to participate if you are a believer in Jesus and have placed your faith in Him. If you are unsure, you are welcome to observe.

Some people also ask when their children should participate. We recommend that children take part if they understand the meaning of communion, have made a personal decision to believe in and follow Christ, and their parents are comfortable with their participation.