Do you have 4th of July plans that include a gathering of family and/or friends around the table?
How about plans to join a different kind of family table?
This “gathering at the table” is another way of saying… “sharing Communion”… at the table of God’s family.
What does your child know about Communion?
How do you explain Communion?
A way to start is to relate Communion to things that your child already understands.
Children understand the concept of special meals. Describe Communion as a special meal. Relate your discussion about Communion to a recent special family banquet
| At your family feast… | At Communion… |
|---|---|
| Everyone was gathered together. | Communion is also like a family meal. Christians participating in Communion are all members of Christ’s family |
| We told “remember when” stories. | Jesus told his followers at their last meal together to “Do this to remember me.” Communion is a way to remember how Jesus died for us. In his death our sins (anything that separates us from God) are forgiven! |
| Because everyone was there, we felt thankful. | Communion fills us with thanksgiving, Jesus’ death – and his resurrection – offer us to chance to be God’s friends forever! |
| Yum, yum. We filled up on good grub. | By participating in Communion we are nourished in a different way – we can feel empowered to do God’s work in the world. |
It’s a way to start the discussion!
In July (starting on July 11th) our Cool Disciples, our rising 1st through 6th graders, at FUMC in Ann Arbor, MI, will be studying about the Sacrament of Communion. Do you have questions about Communion that your kids have asked? (Or maybe that you’ve wanted to ask.) Submit them here and lets ponder together!
Join me at the family table this Sunday.
Photo credits:Robotpolisher and United Church of Canada (licensed under: Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 2.0 Generic) and from my personal collection.
Family Faith Companion 