The Sacrament of Holy Communion is "...the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us Christians to eat and to drink."
When we gather for worship God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. Jesus comes to us in this sacred meal and we receive forgiveness, life and salvation. God then sends us out into the world to share the love of Jesus with others.
First communion can and does happen at many different ages throughout congregations of the ELCA. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s set of priorities for the practices of word and sacrament, The Use of the Means of Grace, notes that, "There is no command from our Lord regarding the age at which people should be…first communed” (38B).
At St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall) we believe that "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, within the accepted practices of the congregation” (37 and 37C).
We provide age-appropriate resources and catechesis for the child before and after they receive first receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Families are also encouraged to participate in intergenerational Holy Communion retreats when they are offered.
When we gather for worship God feeds us with the presence of Jesus Christ. Jesus comes to us in this sacred meal and we receive forgiveness, life and salvation. God then sends us out into the world to share the love of Jesus with others.
First communion can and does happen at many different ages throughout congregations of the ELCA. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s set of priorities for the practices of word and sacrament, The Use of the Means of Grace, notes that, "There is no command from our Lord regarding the age at which people should be…first communed” (38B).
At St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall) we believe that "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, within the accepted practices of the congregation” (37 and 37C).
We provide age-appropriate resources and catechesis for the child before and after they receive first receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Families are also encouraged to participate in intergenerational Holy Communion retreats when they are offered.
GatherThe Holy Spirit calls us together as people of God in worship.
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WordGod speaks to us in the holy scriptures, preaching, and song.
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Meal and SendingWe are fed with the real presence of Jesus Christ in the bread and wine meal commonly known as Holy Communion. At the conclusion of our worship God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
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