The Presbyterian Church of the Moriches
Serving God and Community Over 250 Years
263 Main Street, Center Moriches, NY 11934
http://members.aol.com/presbycmoriches
September 2003
 
 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In September , during the regular Sunday School period (9:30 AM), we will hold an educational event dealing with the sacrament of Communion. The emphasis of this event will be to familiarize students with historical aspects of the Lord's supper as instituted by Jesus and as practiced by the early Church. It is thus intended to enrich and extend the understanding initiated during the Children and the Sacraments Program series last year. Children and parents who did not attend last year's program may also find it to be a useful introduction to the sacrament.

The following week is Worldwide Communion Sunday (in October ). On this date, Communion will be celebrated during the usual Sunday School hours as a part of a special worship event. Please note that only baptized children may receive communion. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to attend both of these events with their children, particularly if they will receive Communion.

As parents and guardians, you must decide when and if your baptized child takes Communion. These events are intended to equip and support YOU for your task of nurturing your child for receiving the Lord's Supper. If your child has not yet received communion and wonders why he or she is not included, these events may be very beneficial for you. Conversely, if your child will not receive communion at this time, you may also decide to share this educational worship experience with them.

A FINAL NOTE REGARDING CHILDREN IN THE NURSERY CLASS: The Nursery class will be read an age appropriate story related to the sacrament in September. If parents of these children feel that they are ready to participate more fully in the sacrament, they are invited to attend the October event with their children.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us, or talk to your child's Sunday School teacher.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Gordon E. Letizia
(878-4113)
and
the Children and Sacraments
Program Committee
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The Sacrament of Communion
in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
WHO MAY RECEIVE COMMUNION?

The invitation to the Lord's Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of God's love and grace in Christ Jesus. (W-2.4011a of the Book of Order)

Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited to receive the Lord's Supper, recognizing that their understanding of participation will vary according to their maturity.

(W-2.4011b of the Book of Order)

WHO DECIDES WHEN?

It is the responsibility of the whole congregation, particularly exercised through the session, to nurture those who are baptized to respond to the invitation to the Lord's Supper. When a person is baptized as a child, the session shall equip and support the parent(s) or those exercising parental responsibility for their task of nurturing the child for receiving the Lord's Supper. When the child begins to express a desire to receive this Sacrament, the session should take note of this and provide an occasion for recognition and welcome. (W-4.2002 of the Book of Order)