Christ comes to us in, with, and under the bread and cup to nourish the faith of Christians and the church. We share in a sacred meal that spans all time and space. We commune with the saints who have gone before us and with other Christians around the globe who gather at our Lord’s Table. The uncontainable presence, grace, love, forgiveness, and mercy of Christ comes to us in simple bread and drink.

All of God’s people are welcome to our Lord’s table. Let’s be clear – it is not “my” table, or “our” table, or a “Lutheran” table … it is our Lord’s table, and He sends out the invitations — to everyone under the sun.

The norm is for baptized Christians to receive the sacrament, as this is a Christian sacrament that nourishes and strengthens faith in Christ. And, it is the norm for Christians to receive instruction prior to first receiving the sacrament and to continue to reflect on and learn about the sacrament throughout their Christian life.  These norms are not iron-clad laws, but they are norms or patterns for how this sacred meal is generally practiced.

There is no minimum age for receiving this sacrament. In years past, an age-requirement reflected a desire by the church that those receiving the sacrament examine themselves and understand what it is they were receiving. Now such examination and understanding takes place at a variety of ages, and is a part of on-going, life-long education and faith formation. At New Joy, we generally ask that children express an interest in receiving the sacrament, and that they are able to sit through and participate in the worship service, prior to receiving communion for the first time. Determination of whether a child should receive Holy Communion is one that is made with the parents, the child, and the pastor.

We are to receive these gifts of bread and wine, of Christ’s body and blood, in faith, trusting that in this meal our Lord comes to us, forgives us our sins, renews us in faith, and leads us into everlasting life.

The manner of receiving varies in different churches and even within churches, and there is no “right” way to receive communion. At New Joy we receive by means of “intinction” – that is, by dipping the bread in the cup. Take the bread between two fingers and dip it into the cup, perhaps dabbing the bread on the side of the cup so as to avoid dripping on oneself or on the floor. Then, consume the bread and drink together.

Upon hearing the words, “Body of Christ, given for you,” and “Blood of Christ, shed for you,” it is appropriate to respond, “Amen,” or “Thanks be to God.” It is also perfectly appropriate to smile a joyful smile, as this bread and wine are amazing gifts. Some Christians make the sign of the cross before and/or after receiving the bread and wine, as a sign of blessing and remembrance of their baptism. Others may also bend the knee or bow before taking the bread and wine, a gesture that honors the body and blood of Christ and which also humbles the one about to receive this great gift. We certainly do not insist on uniformity in how we approach the altar. In fact, we welcome the many ways we respond to the gift of our Lord’s presence.

Traditionally the church has shared bread and wine at Holy Communion. Here at New Joy we share bread and grape juice. This started somewhat by happenstance, as we were worshiping for years in a school and could not store wine in the school building. Thus, we served grape juice as our sacramental drink. When we moved to our new building in 2008, we continued to serve grape juice. Children, adults, and those with sensitivities to alcohol can receive the sacrament from the same cup without any concern, for the fruit of the vine that we share is non-alcoholic.