The Sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper, is one of the two Sacraments observed by the Presbyterian Church (USA). This sacrament is observed multiple times throughout the year on Sundays that mark special occasions in the life of the Church.
All people, without exception, wishing to partake in the Sacrament of Holy Communion are welcomed to do so. There are no requirements for one to be welcomed to the table. However, we ask that those who do partake understand that Communion is a holy act and not a mid-service snack. We believe that Christ himself is made known in the act of breaking bread and ask that only those who truly seek to know our Lord Jesus Christ partake.
The Book of Order, the Constitution and governing document of the PC(USA) states: “The Lord’s Supper (or Eucharist) is the sign and seal of our communion with the crucified and risen Lord. Jesus shared meals with his followers throughout his earthly life and ministry—common suppers, miraculous feasts, and the covenant commemorations of the people of God. Jesus spoke of himself as the bread of life, and the true vine, in whom we are branches. On the night before his death, Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples. He spoke of the bread and wine as his body and blood, signs of the new covenant and told the disciples to remember him by keeping this feast. On the day of his resurrection, Jesus made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of the bread. The disciples continued to devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, prayers, and the common meal. As Paul wrote, when we share the bread and cup in Jesus’ name, “we who are many are one body” (1 Cor. 10:17).”
While the elements used in this sacrament vary slightly between traditions, our community uses grape juice and shortbread, a recipe for which has been passed down over many years, to celebrate the feast of the Lord.
The pastor will gladly answer any questions you may have about how Presbyterians understand this vital sacrament of the church.