First Communion
"HOLY" means to set apart for the service of God. We set apart time together to serve God. We serve God by encouraging one another as we share the story about God and His love.
"COMMUNION" means sharing. God shares His saving gifts with us, and we share them with one another. When we put the two words -- Holy Communion -- together, we have an idea of what happens on Sunday. It is a very special time for this family to come together and be with God.
2008 Holy Communion Instruction
2008 Holy Communion Instruction will be held in the sanctuary.
Wednesday, |
6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Session 1 for Children and Parent(s) |
Wednesday, |
6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Session 2 for Children and Parent(s) |
Wednesday, |
6:15 - 7:15p.m. Session 3 for Children and Parent(s) |
Wednesday, |
6:15 - 7:15 p.m. Session 4 for Children and Parent(s) |
March 2, 2008 |
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. Session 5 "Holy Communion/Seder Event for Children and Parent(s) 10:00 a.m. - Photo taken ALL SERVICES EXCEPT 9:00: First Communion |
Family involvement is important!
It is very important that students preparing for first communion have the presence and support of their parent(s). Parents are asked to be present with their child at as many class sessions as possible.
Would you like more information about Holy Communion instruction and/or any other aspect of Children & Family Ministry at Grace Lutheran Church?
Please contact: Pastor Lynn
814/238-2478
Welcome to the Lord's Table!
What is Holy Communion?
In Holy Communion, God refreshes the incredible relationship that God initiates with us at our Baptism.
At Grace Lutheran Church, first graders are invited to particiapate in Holy Communion preparation during the season of Lent. This 5-week instructional program leads to the child's full participation in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Students in grades two, three, four and five who have not yet participated in Holy Communion instruction are also invited to attend.
Why first graders?
In 1994, recognizing that many children are able to understand and appreciate God's forgiveness and salvation at an early age, our congregation lowered the age at which we invite children and their parents to participate in Holy Communion instruction and participation in the Sacrament from fourth grade to third grade. In 2001, our congregation's council approved lowering our First Communion age from third grade to second grade. Factors considered when making this change included:
Our Sunday school, Children's choirs/Trinity Program and Sunday afternoon Christ's Kids Clubs work to introduce, invite and involve young children in the corporate worship experience and the Sacraments through an integrated approach to learning.
With Holy Communion being celebrated weekly at Grace, our children are "growing up" with the Sacrament. At infancy, their parents bring them to the Lord's table and they hear the words, "Receive the sign of the cross and know that God loves you." They watch their parents and older brothers and sisters receive the body and blood of our Savior - signs of the same love they receive with the sign of the cross.
Martin Luther answers the question, "When is a person rightly prepared to receive this sacrament?" by saying, "That person is well prepared and worthy who believes these words, given and shed for you for the remission of sins ... the words for you require simply a believing heart." We believe that first grade children have believing hearts.
The question of First Communion was again addressed summer 2006. Upon Pastor Lynn's, Pastor Sloka's and AIM Ruth Eckley's recommendation, as well as that of our congregation's Children and Youth Ministry committees, the Grace church council approved a plan to lower the age at which we invite children to participate in Holy Communion.
Feb 2007 - First and Second grade children
Feb 2008 - First Graders
TBA - Kindergarten and First grade children *
The decision to participate in this instructional program as well as to receive the Sacrament, is made at the discretion of each child's parents. Postponement until the following year, private instruction, and/or indefinite postponement are all acceptable choices for parents to make concerning their child's first communion.
Would you like more information about Holy Communion instruction and/or any other aspect of Children & Family Ministry at Grace Lutheran Church?
Please contact: Pastor Lynn
814/238-2478
