Welcome to the Lord's Table
After describing the Last Supper, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (NIV), "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread or drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself."Our denomination admits baptized children to the Lord's Table. However, we have a concern that children understand that participation in Holy Communion is more than receiving the gift of bread and wine. It is important that they realize that this meal is the gift of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf; and that in receiving Communion they are receiving the work Christ did for us on the cross. We ask each parent to assume the responsibility for his or her children's understanding of those truths in determining whether they are prepared to participate in Holy Communion.
In the Communion service in which the bread and wine are served by the ushers, it is our custom to eat the bread as we receive it, and to hold the cup so that we may all drink together. This practice symbolizes the fact that we come to Christ individually, but that we are then made a part of a great company of believers. (If you prefer, you may drink the cup when served.)