Change will finally happen in our lives when the pain of holding on to something hindering us becomes greater than the fear of letting it go.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:18-19
At Farmington UMC, we hold a back-to-school event. This event is different than most because we require no proof of income and we give away everything a child needs to go back to school. They receive backpacks, school supplies, new shoes, socks and underwear. They receive free haircuts, dental screenings, physicals and hair care and personal hygiene products.
But because we're a church we also want them to have a worship experience as well. So one of the stops they go to is our prayer room. Volunteers prayed for each child and parent as well. Before they tried on their new shoes, we had a foot-washing room. And before they left, they were all invited to receive the Lord's Supper.
I know that many of my brethren believe in a closed Communion, but in the Wesleyan tradition, we believe that the Lord's Supper is free and open to everyone, no matter their age, religious affiliation or station in life.
We so vehemently believe this that we have made it one of our only sacraments. (Baptism is the other.)
For many, this was the first time they received Communion. And may be the only time they partake of it. Many come from harsh economic backgrounds and may not find a church home.
While watching these children receive Communion, I stood in tears. One of the reasons why I was so emotional was because who they looked to before taking it.
We gave the Lord's Supper through intinction. Which means they received a piece of bread and then dipped the bread into the cup of grape juice. If you've never done this before, it may be confusing. Especially to kids.
But each child, without exception, as they stood in line, they intensely watched their mother or father and what they did. When the guardian took the bread they then dipped it into the cup. Some of them made the sign of the cross when receiving Communion. One even made a full genuflect. Some looked quizzically at the bread until the stewards told them to dip it into the cup. And some just shook their head no and walked on.
In each case, the child did the same thing.
If the parents made the sign of the cross, they tried as well.
If the parents looked for help when taking the bread, they did as well.
And if the parents shook their head no and walked on, they did as well.
We are role models to our children in so many different ways. The way we treat others will teach our kids how to relate to those around them. Our work ethic will help determine how our children succeed.
And the same thing applies spiritually.
If you read the Bible, your kids are watching.
If you pray before meals, your kids are watching.
If you take Communion, your kids are watching.
The Lord's Supper is an outward sign of God's inward grace to us. By taking Communion we are reminding ourselves of the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins and it helps us to recall our need for repentance. It also reassures us that God loves us so much that we now have eternal salvation.
The way you receive Communion isn't just a reflection of your own spiritual well-being. But of your children as well.
Let us pray,
Gracious God. We thank you for the ways in which we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Through the giving of the Lord's Supper, Baptism and scripture reading we are reminded of your grace in our lives and how we need to show others that same love. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
PASTOR TROY CONRAD IS MINISTER OF THE FARMINGTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. EMAIL: [email protected].
Religion on 09/21/2016