First Communion Instruction. What do you already know about Communion? Take a few moments to write down what you already know or have seen

First Communion Instruction

St. John Lutheran Church

What do you already know about Communion?

• Take a few moments to write downwhat you already know or have seen.

What Is Holy

Communion?• Holy• Communion

We do Communion because…Because Jesus said “do this!”

Sacra..what?• Sacrament– A Sacrament is a:• Means • Of• Grace

God uses these things to help us understand his will for our lives and the great gifts given to us and for us in Jesus Christ!

Communion is a means of Grace as is the Bible which is the Word of God

GRACE

We Lutherans talk a lot about Grace We said Holy Communion is a “means of Grace.”But what does Grace mean?

God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

G R A C E

Sacrament Assembly Required

Lutheran Christians believe that there are

two sacraments

Holy CommunionBaptism

Sacrament Assembly Required

Holy Communion is a means, a way that God brings his good gifts to us.There are three things needed to make something a sacrament.

1. A Command of Christ2. A Physical Element3. A Promise: Forgiveness

A meal with a History

Holy Communion is rooted in theJewish festival of Passover…

Holy Communion is…Remembering

Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me." We remember Jesus' life, death, and resurrection - all that he has done for us. Holy Communion is the body and blood of Jesus.

Holy Communion is…

Giving ThanksWhen we remember what Jesus has done for us, we can hardly help but thank him. We have nothing to give him in return but our thanks. One of the names for Communion is Eucharist, which means "thanksgiving."


ConfessingWe confess or admit that we are sinful and that our sins made it necessary for Jesus to die.

Holy Communion is…Receiving Forgiveness

Jesus said, "Drink of it, all of you. This cup is my blood which is shed for you for the remission of sins." By inviting us to eat the sacrament, Jesus assures us that his suffering and death were for us personally and for our forgiveness.


GrowingWe eat food to grow. As we eat at the communion table, Jesus comes to us to help us grow stronger, wiser and more loving.


Joyful CelebrationIn Communion we celebrate the joy Jesus has brought and will continue to bring to our lives.


Being TogetherThat's really what "communion" means. We're together with Jesus in a mysterious but very real way. And we're together with the other followers of Jesus who receive the same gifts from him - like one big family.


TellingBy taking part, we are telling each other and the world - and God too - that we believe in Jesus, and are willing to serve him forever.

Holy Communion is…Being Strengthened

to Serve GodGod doesn't give us gifts simply for our own personal enjoyment. He wants us to use them in helping others. When we go to Communion, he strengthens us so that we may better serve other people for him.


The FutureJesus often spoke of heaven as a great feast. As we enjoy this meal with him now, we look forward to the time we will be enjoying his presence forever in heaven.


RelationshipGod has given us this meal, so that through Jesus he might be with us in a very real way. The important words here are Given and Shed for YOU!

Holy Communion is…• Remembering• Giving Thanks• Confessing• Receiving Forgiveness• Joyful Celebration• Being Together• Telling• Being Strengthened to Serve God• The Future• Relationship

Questions?

Homework

• Do Parent and Child exercise 2 and 3• Have a great week go to church this weekend

and watch carefully what goes on in worship particularly around Holy Communion!– Listen to the words– Watch the Pastors– Watch what people do before and after.

Next MeetingParents and

Students May 22 @ 5:30

First Communion Instruction

Part IISt. John Lutheran Church

Opening PrayerO God, we give you thanks that in the meal of communion you set before us a feast, the body and blood of your Son. By your Spirit strengthen us to serve all in need and to give ourselves away as bread for the hungry, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Review and Questions

Review – What did you learn, what do you remember?

Homework- Baptismal Stories- Communion Stories- Questions

Homework Part #2

- Matthew 28- Luke 11- John 5- John 13- John 15- Acts 16- Romans 12

Video

Eating and Drinking in the Word

Forgiveness

What is Sin?- Haramatia - Missing the mark…

Think about it1.2.

Forgiveness cont…

On the CROSSJesus sacrificed his life for USso that we might have LIFE. What does it mean for you to have life?Luther’s Small Catechism

Stuff to make sureis done

Names spelling middle etc…Next Wednesday… 3:30 pm just the kidsNext Thursday… Potluck – invite everyone!

Start eating at 5:30 and service at 7There will be cake… and remember time to take pictures…Dress up at least a little… no prom dresses… or tuxes necessary, but nice, would be nice.

Blessing

May you be signs of God’s grace and mercy even as you prepare for your first Holy Communion. Amen.

Documents

First Communion Instruction. What do you already know about Communion? Take a few moments to write down what you already know or have seen