As part of our communal Lenten discipline, we are experiencing Holy Communion each Sunday during Lent. While our children have been receiving Communion regularly, up until now, they have received it with their church school class. Lent offers us the opportunity to have our children worship with their families – a grace that brings both blessings and challenges of its own! Here are some tips to help you experience Holy Communion together:
· Worship begins before the service: Remind your children Saturday night or on your way to Church on Sunday morning that we will be sharing God’s special meal together and that everyone is welcome at God’s table.
· Let your children know where you are: On your way to Church School, show your children where you will be sitting so they can find you when they come into Church.
· If your children are readers: help them follow along in the hymnal as we begin the Great Thanksgiving.
· If your children are not readers yet: Our Church School music program has introduced our children to the music we sing during the Great Thanksgiving and the consecration prayer. Nudge them when it is time and invite them to sing with you.
· Follow the action: Remind your children to watch carefully what the Pastors do with their hands during the prayer of consecration. They take, bless and break the bread and offer up the cup. Watch particularly for the part where the bread is broken.
· Help your children receive: As we come forward to be fed by Jesus, our hands are lifted up, one palm over the other (making a crib or throne for Jesus depending on how it works best for your children) to receive the bread. Then we take the bread and dip it in the cup and place it in our mouths. If your child would like to come forward but does not wish to receive, hands are crossed over the chest so the server knows to bless the child rather than distribute the elements.
· Holy Communion is the food of the baptized Christian: The bread and cup nurture us and help us to grow. Much like the benefit of vitamins, we do not have to know cognitively how Jesus is with us in Holy Communion. We receive grace to grow on when we take the bread and juice into our bodies, souls and hearts!
Remember to say “thank you!”: When you return to your seat, take a minute with your children to say “thank you” to Jesus for having us at his table
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