Last Sunday our family gathered at our church to support and celebrate our grandboys first communion. It seems like only yesterday that they were decked out in white and received the first sacrament of the church, Holy Baptism. They were accepted into the community of Christ and marked as one of Christ's own.
With first communion we celebrate the next sacrament, receiving Holy Eucharist. The boys, six and eight years old, , attended training for their first communion. Early in the service I asked them what they were to do when they went to the alter rail. They answered seriously, "the same thing you and Nanny do." I paused for a moment reflecting on their simple response. What did I expect? The Lord's Supper is hard stuff. It is not completely comprehended by six and eight year olds, but there is plenty of time for the understanding part. That's what Sunday school and children's church is all about. Young children establish an importance for Holy Communion because our actions portray it as important. They will learn the mystery of Christ’s life on earth during confirmation classes.
It is only fitting that we renew our baptismal vows as a part of this service. Continuing the spiritual growth of our young people is not only the responsibility of parents and grandparents but a responsibility for the church membership as well.
As for Communion, we must remember that our children learn much of what they know from modeling the behavior of responsible adults. For now that will have to do.
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