Communion Online-This Sunday
As we approach this coming Sunday we will be again doing communion online as a church. Here are some basic questions in regards to online communion and some basic how to’s as we prepare to share in this sacred experience.
Q: Is it somehow wrong to do communion online?
A: We don’t believe so. Doing communion online, on a missions trip, in a church building, or in your home are all related to a location. Location really is not the emphasis in communion. When Jesus first gave this example to his disciples it took place in a room rather than a building called the church. Even the early church, under extreme persecution, had to meet and participate in the Lord’s Supper in many different locations publicly and privately. Location may be a part of our own personal traditions, but it’s not really what Jesus has called us to focus on.
Q: What if I don’t have the bread and juice at home?
A: We would recommend that you use what you already have in your home for communion. As an example, you could utilize another kind of juice and crackers as substitutes. When you think about it, what Jesus did on the cross is far more important that what elements we use. The power is not in the communion elements because they are merely symbols. The true power is the fact that Jesus Christ died on that cross for all of us.
Q: How do I process all of this change?
A: One day at a time like so many of us. We look at all of this change as an opportunity for the message of Jesus Christ to reach more people than ever. Throughout history, the church has always had to adjust its methodology. The key thing to remember is that methods ALWAYS change but the message of Jesus Christ NEVER changes.
HOW TO TAKE COMMUNION ONLINE
1. Locate your elements
Ahead of time prepare the elements that you will need to participate in communion (the quantity depends on the size of your family at home).
2. Join us online at 9:55 a.m. this Sunday, May 3rd. Make sure you are on time to not miss a single portion of our service. Our communion will be early in our online church experience. Follow us on Facebook to participate or click here.
3. Be Ready at Home with Your Elements
Pastor Steve will direct you through properly receiving communion. All you need to do is follow along online individually, or as a family as an extension of the service.
Parents, this is an incredible time for you to model what it means as a Christ-follower to receive communion and why we do it to your kids. Have some conversation before about communion and keep it simple; explain the who, what, and why of communion. You can also use the passages down below to read to your family.
We also have linked three videos that may help you. Here is a brief overview of communion, one focused for preschoolers and another one for older children.
4. Share With Us
After receiving communion online, we would encourage you to email us and let us know how many in your home participated in receiving communion. You could also snap a quick photo and include it in your email as well. Why? It’s a great way to be an encouragement to others as we participate in a new way of doing church.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR PERSONAL USE
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29