This morning, a few other pastors and I had the privilege of serving in our children's ministry's very first Family Communion Day. After worship, parents were invited to bring their children to a room that had been set aside just for communion so that they could celebrate the sacrament together. Sunday School teachers had prepared the children for this by teaching about Jesus' last supper with his disciples and how communion is our remembrance of this.
Many thumbs up to our children's ministry for this special worship element. The room was prepared thoughtfully, with five beautiful communion tables, candles and soft music, the atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable, and a large number of families took advantage of the opportunity.
Many of the children had never taken communion before, and it was so cool to be a part of their first experience. We teamed with their parents to walk them through their first communion, and the relaxed atmosphere set them at ease so that they were not overwhelmed, nervous or bored. I loved watching their smiles, their twinkling eyes, their laughter as they accepted the bread of life and the cup of salvation. Some ate their bread before dipping it into the juice, others dropped their bread into the juice and then looked at me with confusion. So, we just smiled and gave them more bread and another chance.
One family made an event out of two of their children's first communion. They invited the entire extended family, took pictures the entire time, and then family pictures after communion. Their little girl, after communion, exclaimed, "Yum!" Perfect. Communion as a party, a significant life event, and even a delight to the taste. It makes sense, if we are doing this in remembrance of Christ, the bridegroom who invites us all to the great feast.
I'm looking forward to the next family communion day, and the day when every day is one big family communion.
