Communion

A variety of names demonstrate the richness of Holy Communion. Those names include the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, Eucharist, Mass, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Divine Liturgy, and the Divine Service.

We believe that through this bread and wine, Jesus makes Himself present to us and strengthens us for service.

Read more about Communion.

First Holy Communion
Baptized children begin to commune on a regular basis at a time determined through mutual conversation that includes the pastor, the child, and the parents or sponsors involved. Ordinarily this beginning will occur only when children can eat and drink, and can start to respond to the gift of Christ in the Supper. Infants and children may be communed for the first time during the service in which they are baptized or they may be brought to the altar during communion to receive a blessing.

Holy Communion Instruction
In all cases, participation in Holy Communion is accompanied by instruction appropriate to the age of the child. When infants and young children are communed, the parents and sponsors receive instruction and the children are taught throughout their development.

Religious instruction, continuing throughout the life of the believer, emphasizes the sacrament as a gift, given in faith by and for participation in the community. Such faith is not simply knowledge or intellectual understanding but trust in God’s promises given in the Lord’s Supper (“for you” and “for the forgiveness of sin”) for the support of the baptized. Sunday Church School classes, Holy Communion Instruction, and Confirmation classes will continue to add to the instruction children receive. Please contact the Church Office or the Director of Christian Education for information about these classes.

Communion at First Lutheran
All baptized children and adults are invited to participate. If you are new to First Lutheran, this might help you understand how we conduct the Lord's Supper so that you can comfortably participate. Remember: All are welcome at Christ's Table.

1. At the time of communion, an usher will direct you to the altar rail.  If you are unsure where to go, follow the ushers' directions or simply follow the person to your left in the pew.  Children and adults who are not taking communion are welcome to come forward to the altar rail to receive a blessing from the pastor. 
2. You may choose to take an individual cup from the tray at the head of your seating area.
3. Walk clockwise around the center altar rail until you come to the end of the line. You are encouraged to kneel at the rail; however, those unable to kneel may stand.
4. You will be served Bread. Wheat-free wafers are offered in place of the bread for those who prefer.
5. If you chose an individual cup, your cup will be filled with Communion wine, or if you did not pick up an individual cup, you may partake of the common cup of Communion wine, or pre-filled cups of grape juice offered at the altar.
6. After Communion, please contine to walk around the altar rail in a clockwise direction until you come to your pew.