Communion

Matthew 26:  
²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take " ²⁷ Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Why do we participate in communion every week?
Many churches do communion monthly or quarterly. Aren’t we concerned about it becoming rote and boring? Not at all. Ask any of our folk. The table is one of the most popular portions of our weekly celebrations. In a wonderful inexplicable mysterious way, at the table each of us is invited to humble ourselves come forward and by faith actually ‘touch’ God—and ‘be touched’ by God. Not so much in a physical way—but highly experiential. Every week – minimally through the table-- we are reminded that Christianity is more than just something that happened in the past or will kick-in in the distant future. God’s Kingdom, His presence is very mush present now and is transforming. Christianity is not about a distant uncaring God, it is about an engaged God who desires real and intimate community. Simply put, it is at the table where we each individually and corporately are invited weekly to really experience God again. It is anything but rote and boring. 

Is ‘communion’ the same as ‘eucharist’ in other denominations? 
The Table of Jesus Christ has been called a number of things throughout the ages—Eucharist, Communion, the Table. Each refers back to Jesus’ invitation to his first followers to participate in the bread (his ‘body’) and the wine (his ‘blood’). The images are powerful and transforming. For the historical background check out Luke 22. 

Who can participate?
We understand Jesus to be inviting those who are actual willing followers of His. If you have acknowledged that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and are committed to follow him, and are an active part of the fellowship of His Kingdom now, then you are very much welcomed at His table at New Life? 

Aren’t some people left out of this part of the service?
We want to be sensitive that at our weekly celebration, there are those who are exploring the faith, and who no doubt may feel left out of this part of the service.  We ask for your patience as we participate in this event. 

I am not from this denomination.  Can I participate in the table here? 
Absolutely. See above. It is not a Presbyterian table—or a New Life table. It is the table of Jesus. 

Can my children participate?
Yes of course.  If they haven’t made professions of faith (that is, if they really don’t know who Jesus is and have made life choices to be a Jesus follower), we would warmly invite them to come up front with you, but not take the elements (bread and wine/juice).  This is not to exclude people, but to be faithful to Jesus’ invitation to actual followers.  We would love to extend Jesus’ invitation to follow him to your children.

Why do you use wine?
We are happy to provide both wine and grape juice.  We want to honor people who, as a matter of conscience would choose one or the other.  If the truth were told, Jesus – no doubt – really did use wine.  However, again, if the truth were known, it was probably quite watered down.  We are sensitive to those who have strong feelings one way or another and ask that it not be a source of distraction or irritation.  We gladly provide both so that you can follow your conscience.  The table is a powerful symbol of community—a people of God in one accord.