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First Communion

What happens during First Communion workshop?

The student and a parent attend together to learn about the history and meaning of communion.  After the learning and question/answer time, everyone proceeds to the sanctuary and the student learns how to receive the communion elements.  An additional activity, usually the creation of a banner by the student and parent, also takes place to celebrate this milestone.  On a subsequent Sunday, children receiving their First Communion are recognized during worship. 

When is the best time to offer first communion?  

In the early church, the practice was weekly communion, and communion was offered to young children. Martin Luther, who dedicated himself to breaking down barriers to God’s sacraments and grace, believed we should have communion each time we worship. However, beginning in the 1800’s, many European theologians recommended that we receive communion on rare occasions, and that children should be offered communion at the conclusion of confirmation. These practices continued for many years; children were made to feel that they had to “earn” communion by going through confirmation.

About thirty years ago, during a time of liturgical renewal, there was a revitalization of practices from the early church – those who knew and followed Jesus. We realized that the practices of the early church made more sense than the practices of certain 18th century European leaders.  Some churches, including Redeemer, have compromised by splitting the difference and offering communion to 4th and 5th graders. Some parents received their first communion later in their own childhood and would prefer that their children respect a long standing family tradition. For this reason we encourage parents to decide “when” their children should receive communion. Your decisions will be respected. I’m sure your decision will be the right one for your family. If you feel your child is ready, please consider attending either of the first communion workshops to be offered in 2010-2011:

  1. Sunday, 10/3/10, 12:30-3:00
  2. Sunday,   5/1/11,   12:30-3:00