Holy Communion

Since the very beginning of the Church, followers of Jesus have gathered together to share a common meal as a continual reminder of the life that we have received through the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Christ commanded his followers to partake of bread and wine as a remembrance of his sacrificial body and blood (Mt. 26:26-29, Mk. 14:22-25, Lk. 22:14-20).  This is the New Covenant fulfillment of the Old Covenant feast of the Passover. 

We refer to Holy Communion as a Sacrament.  A sacrament is an outward, physical sign of an inward, spiritual grace.  What this means is that the physical practice of Holy Communion symbolizes the spiritual food which has been given to us by God in salvation, and God uses that to help grow our faith.

 As Anglicans we believe that Jesus expresses his love and presence to us in a real and mystical way during this meal.  The mechanics of how that actually occurs is a mystery.  But, there is great power and grace in that mystery, and so we share Holy Communion together every Sunday when we worship.  Through it we experience communion with God and with one another. 

We sometimes refer to Holy Communion as the Lord’s Supper or as the Eucharist (which means “thanksgiving”).

Requirements for Holy Communion

All baptized Christians who are actively following Jesus are welcome to receive the bread and wine of Eucharist, including the baptized children of believing parents.

Those who are not baptized Christians or are not walking in forgiveness and fellowship with other believers are not permitted to receive Holy Communion.  However, they are invited forward for a prayer of blessing.