FAQ: The Lord's Supper and EHBC KIDS
Hello Family! Coming up on Oct 11th, we will be celebrating The Lord's Supper (aka Communion) together at the end of service.
As a KidsMin staff, we have talked it over and we believe it is SO important that our kids see their adults participating in service a few times a year. Because of this belief, on Lord's Supper days, there will be no 2nd hour for CH or TH (Kinder through 5th grade). Eventually we would love to get to the point that SB (Preschool) also joins us for the whole 2nd hour, but for now they will only be coming in at the very end to see communion. You probably have some questions, so we're going to try to answer them here and if you have any others, feel free to reach out.
WHAT WILL MY KIDS DO DURING 2nd HOUR (FAMILY WORSHIP) IN THE SACNTUARY?
Whatever you do! But seriously, the whole point of 2nd hour Children's Church is pre-worship. Our goal is to train these kiddos to know and understand how a church service works and help them learn how their brains best learn so they can get the most from the preaching/teaching when they join "big church". We will have kid's worship guides, some small fidgets, and some fruit snacks in bags available for the kids on the day of. Those that are in 1st hour will get them when we come down, those that only come 2nd can pick theirs up at the kids check-in table.
WHAT IF MY KIDS DON'T PAY ATTENTION OR ARE LOUD?
Great! We LOVE hearing kids in the service, and we get that they're going to be loud. They will probably be asking questions, they may even be saying "I'm boooored", that's ok. Seriously, we love your kids, we love you, we love your family. If you are extra concerned, feel free to sit on the far right side of the church (by the Clarks, Bowmans, Hills, etc). They all have curious, sometimes loud, kids. On the Sunday's that kids will be in service, they will "group parent" which only means we all have extra hands to help each other out. Amanda usually is answering Mads questions during communion, so if yours has questions too, join us and we can all sit together! Let me reiterate, KIDS DO NOT BOTHER US. The Pastors are all dads. They're also all very loud men. As Amanda says, "if they can't preach over crying babies or questioning kids, they're not very good preachers". (Spoiler: All of them can, will, and have preached when kids are kids. They get it. They love it.)
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS NOW?
Easy Answer: Because we can and we feel it's vitally important. Longer answer: we've prayerfully considered where our ministry is going and how God is leading us to serve the kids and families in our church. Most of what we do is centered around kids. We can teach them, disciple them, lead them, and love them, but we only get them for 2, maybe 3, hours each week. YOU are the primary source in your kiddos lives. They look up to YOU. They want to be like YOU. They will model their own beliefs and lives after YOU first. Please don't mistake what we're saying. The church has a big part in the spiritual development of kids and we take that very seriously, but what we take even more seriously is that our job is to come alongside YOU and help you as you disciple and teach your kiddos all the amazing things Jesus is and has done. This is one of the first big steps to that. Next week we'll be sending out some info about the Lord's Supper itself, why some people take it and some don't, what's the purpose, and the background behind it, but the info will be on a kids level. Kids are curious, it is our desire that we give you the information and the ability to answer the most common questions kids ask about the Lord's Supper as we lead up to celebrating it as a church family.
HOW CAN I EXPLAIN THE LORD'S SUPPER TO MY YOUNGER KIDS?
The symbolism of body and blood can be tricky. Because children usually don’t begin to develop abstract thinking capabilities further until they have reached the upper elementary or junior high years, they won’t be able to understand clearly how the bread and drink are not actually the physical flesh and blood of Christ. It will be somewhat confusing. However, you can explain that they are symbols. This might lead to more questions, at which point it is perfectly acceptable for you to take the opportunity to explain that we really don’t know anything more than that, because Jesus did not tell us any more about those elements. It’s ok to say that it’s partially a mystery to us all, because it is!
HOW CAN I EXPLAIN THAT NOT EVERYONE TAKES THE LORD'S SUPPER?
(Example) When you get saved, you’re a member of the team, and getting your uniform with the team’s name on it is like being baptized, everyone knows that you’re a member of that team now and have been given a spot. Have you guys ever seen in sports where they huddle and everyone puts their hands in to celebrate that their team is going to play (1,2,3, go lobos) (similarly the meetup before a performance). Imagine if, as the team is preparing to do this, someone jumps on the field and runs up to put their hand in and acts like they’re a part of the team even though they aren’t. They might be a fan of the team, they may even be studying the plays, or playing the game, but they aren’t on the team yet. Maybe they’re even wearing what looks like a uniform, but they still aren’t on the team. Do you think that’s respectful or not respectful of the team? The coach of that team? Taking communion is similar in that if you aren’t a part of God’s family yet and haven’t made Jesus the boss of your life, you’re not ready for communion. It would be disrespectful to God and yourself to try to be a part of something you’re not ready for yet. The Bible tells us that we need to seek our hearts even after we’re saved to see if we’re ready before we take communion. It says we are to make amends (say sorry) if we need to and confess our sins to God. It is NOT a bad thing to not be ready for communion or even abstain (choose not) to take it one day. (Ms. Amanda has abstained as an adult a few times because of questions she had about communion, or some sin she was wrestling with. It’s ok and in fact can be good to wait until you’re ready (just like making Jesus the boss of your life!).)
HOW CAN I SHOW MY KIDS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS?
This can be a doozy. The best way to show your kids the importance of something is by showing them how important it is to YOU and talking to them about it. Be honest. Communion is a time that you get to join in with all people all throughout history in remembering Christ’s sacrifice and looking forward to his return. In a way, you’re having a meal with Jesus himself. That’s not to say that it has to be silent and everyone has to sit still and not say a word. Over on our side (Ms. Amanda talking here), we have kids asking questions (some of the kids have no indoor voice, mine lol), parents shushing, going through explanations as best we can, and trying to bring our kids along with us to show them what they get to be a part of one day. You're welcome to come sit by us and we can group parent/answer questions!
WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER (aka Communion)?
The Lord’s Supper is a special time for those who follow Jesus to remember His death on the cross that paid for our sin. This time happens in the setting of a local church, as a pastor leads God’s people to receive bread, which represents Jesus’s body, and wine or juice, which represents Jesus’s blood. It’s not magical—and we aren’t actually drinking Jesus’s blood or eating His body. It is a symbol and reminder of what Jesus has done and a moment to enjoy the beauty of His presence together. The first Lord’s Supper was led by Jesus in Luke 22:7-23. Jesus and His disciples were celebrating the Passover meal together when Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He told His disciples, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (v. 19). “In the same way,” He took the cup and told them, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (v. 20). This new covenant that Jesus has established is with all who have faith in Him and who trust that He paid for their sins on the cross. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, unlike the many animal sacrifices required in the Old Testament. He was the once-and-for-all payment needed for our sin, and the Lord’s Supper reminds us of the depth of God’s love seen on the cross and our desperate need for a Savior.
WHO CAN RECEIVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
The Lord’s Supper is to be practiced within the local church by those who have become Christians (made Jesus the Boss of their life). It is a reminder of what God has done for His people on the cross and a moment to remember His lovingkindness in paying for our sin.
HOW SHOULD WE RECEIVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Paul gave instructions for receiving the supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. He spoke of participating in a worthy manner, examining our hearts. So, if our kids have become Christians, how can we help them do so? The most helpful way to help kids understand the Supper is to discuss it both at home and as it is happening in your church. ENCOURAGE CONFESSION OF SIN. Before we receive the supper, we take time to think about our sin and how one sin is enough to separate us from God forever. We couldn’t keep His Law, so God sent Jesus to pay for sin so that we could be made right with Him. Before we receive the Lord’s Supper, it’s important to confess our sin to God, and if any of our sin has been against another person or hurt them, we should confess our sin and apologize to them as well. ENCOURAGE REMEMBRANCE. As we receive the bread and the juice and eat and drink together, we seek to focus our minds on Jesus and His kindness to us on the cross. We think about how our sin brings about God’s wrath and how Jesus took on the punishment for our sin on the cross. Paul said that in practicing the Supper together we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (v. 26). We teach the good news of Jesus to our own hearts and to those around us as we eat the bread and drink the juice. We proclaim that Jesus died, but He will also return, and we will eat and drink with Him in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). May we take every opportunity to remind our kids of this great truth! Taken from an article by Mary WileySome helpful hints in talking about Communion with Kids The symbolism of body and blood. Because children usually don’t begin to develop abstract thinking capabilities further until they have reached the upper elementary or junior high years, they won’t be able to understand clearly how the bread and drink are not actually the physical flesh and blood of Christ. It will be somewhat confusing. However, you can explain that they are symbols. This might lead to more questions, at which point it is perfectly acceptable for you to take the opportunity to explain that we really don’t know anything more than that, because Jesus did not tell us any more about those elements. It’s ok to say that it’s partially a mystery to us all, because it is! (Retrieved from KidsminTools.com)
Some helpful hints in talking about Communion with Older Kids
Recount (Before Church)– Kids learn best through storytelling, plus they love to hear tales about when you were a child. Help lead your kids through an exercise of remembrance. You could show your kids something sentimental from a time in your life and explain how when you see it or think of it, you remember those moments. In a similar way, the bread and the cup of communion remind us of Jesus and what He did for us every time we receive them.
Remember - Explain to your kids that communion is a way believers remember what Jesus did for us in His death on the cross, burial and resurrection.
The scripture about The Last Supper is on the back page of your kids worship guides!
Reflect – Communion is one of the two “ordinances” the Lord has given the church, with baptism being the other. Both baptism and the Lord’s Supper powerfully reflect the gospel— the death and resurrection of Christ. They are opportunities for us to remember the significance of what Christ has done for us. Help your kids understand that communion is meant for those who already have union with Jesus (those who have made Jesus the boss of their lives). If your children haven’t yet trusted the Lord, take time during the Lord’s Supper to explain the gospel in terms they can understand. Maybe say something like this: We are all born with sin. Sin is all the bad we do and the sad it causes. Sin ruined our relationship with God. BUT Jesus came to fix our relationship with God! When we make him the boss of our life, sin doesn’t hurt our relationship with God like it once did. Jesus took that broken relationship and fixed it forever. Making Jesus the boss of your life is a BIG decision and shouldn’t be made lightly. God will let you know when it’s time. Your parents, KidsMin staff, Church family, etc are here if you have any questions!
Reverence – When we take communion, we pause and remember what Jesus did on the cross, and we reflect on the blessing we receive as children of God. This gives us a sense of reverence for God. Communion is an act of worship that leads us to be in awe of who God is and what He has done in your life.
Chances are your kids will want to know exactly what is going on. Explain you’ll have a small cracker and small cup of grape juice or wine. The cracker represents Jesus’ body that was broken. Ask your child to consider all the things Jesus went through on His way to and on the cross. He was physically beaten and broken in ways we can’t even imagine. Then you eat the bread in remembrance of Jesus’ broken body and death on the cross. The wine represents the blood shed on our behalf. His blood is what makes atonement (payment) for our sin. He took our sin on Himself on the cross and paid the price with His blood. You drink the grape juice or wine in remembrance of the blood shed on our behalf. Typically, after you eat the bread and drink the “wine,” you’ll have a moment of prayer and reflection followed by worship.
Communion is special, designed to bring the follower of Christ into a sweet time of reflection, remembrance and reverence. (Found partially on nextstepdisciple.org)
This was written by Ms. Amanda, but Ms. Khyrstyn, and Ms. Liana agree!
If you have any questions or your kids do, feel free to reach out to anyone on KidsMin staff. We would LOVE to talk about cool Jesus-y and church-y things with you and your kiddos.
As a KidsMin staff, we have talked it over and we believe it is SO important that our kids see their adults participating in service a few times a year. Because of this belief, on Lord's Supper days, there will be no 2nd hour for CH or TH (Kinder through 5th grade). Eventually we would love to get to the point that SB (Preschool) also joins us for the whole 2nd hour, but for now they will only be coming in at the very end to see communion. You probably have some questions, so we're going to try to answer them here and if you have any others, feel free to reach out.
WHAT WILL MY KIDS DO DURING 2nd HOUR (FAMILY WORSHIP) IN THE SACNTUARY?
Whatever you do! But seriously, the whole point of 2nd hour Children's Church is pre-worship. Our goal is to train these kiddos to know and understand how a church service works and help them learn how their brains best learn so they can get the most from the preaching/teaching when they join "big church". We will have kid's worship guides, some small fidgets, and some fruit snacks in bags available for the kids on the day of. Those that are in 1st hour will get them when we come down, those that only come 2nd can pick theirs up at the kids check-in table.
WHAT IF MY KIDS DON'T PAY ATTENTION OR ARE LOUD?
Great! We LOVE hearing kids in the service, and we get that they're going to be loud. They will probably be asking questions, they may even be saying "I'm boooored", that's ok. Seriously, we love your kids, we love you, we love your family. If you are extra concerned, feel free to sit on the far right side of the church (by the Clarks, Bowmans, Hills, etc). They all have curious, sometimes loud, kids. On the Sunday's that kids will be in service, they will "group parent" which only means we all have extra hands to help each other out. Amanda usually is answering Mads questions during communion, so if yours has questions too, join us and we can all sit together! Let me reiterate, KIDS DO NOT BOTHER US. The Pastors are all dads. They're also all very loud men. As Amanda says, "if they can't preach over crying babies or questioning kids, they're not very good preachers". (Spoiler: All of them can, will, and have preached when kids are kids. They get it. They love it.)
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS NOW?
Easy Answer: Because we can and we feel it's vitally important. Longer answer: we've prayerfully considered where our ministry is going and how God is leading us to serve the kids and families in our church. Most of what we do is centered around kids. We can teach them, disciple them, lead them, and love them, but we only get them for 2, maybe 3, hours each week. YOU are the primary source in your kiddos lives. They look up to YOU. They want to be like YOU. They will model their own beliefs and lives after YOU first. Please don't mistake what we're saying. The church has a big part in the spiritual development of kids and we take that very seriously, but what we take even more seriously is that our job is to come alongside YOU and help you as you disciple and teach your kiddos all the amazing things Jesus is and has done. This is one of the first big steps to that. Next week we'll be sending out some info about the Lord's Supper itself, why some people take it and some don't, what's the purpose, and the background behind it, but the info will be on a kids level. Kids are curious, it is our desire that we give you the information and the ability to answer the most common questions kids ask about the Lord's Supper as we lead up to celebrating it as a church family.
HOW CAN I EXPLAIN THE LORD'S SUPPER TO MY YOUNGER KIDS?
The symbolism of body and blood can be tricky. Because children usually don’t begin to develop abstract thinking capabilities further until they have reached the upper elementary or junior high years, they won’t be able to understand clearly how the bread and drink are not actually the physical flesh and blood of Christ. It will be somewhat confusing. However, you can explain that they are symbols. This might lead to more questions, at which point it is perfectly acceptable for you to take the opportunity to explain that we really don’t know anything more than that, because Jesus did not tell us any more about those elements. It’s ok to say that it’s partially a mystery to us all, because it is!
HOW CAN I EXPLAIN THAT NOT EVERYONE TAKES THE LORD'S SUPPER?
(Example) When you get saved, you’re a member of the team, and getting your uniform with the team’s name on it is like being baptized, everyone knows that you’re a member of that team now and have been given a spot. Have you guys ever seen in sports where they huddle and everyone puts their hands in to celebrate that their team is going to play (1,2,3, go lobos) (similarly the meetup before a performance). Imagine if, as the team is preparing to do this, someone jumps on the field and runs up to put their hand in and acts like they’re a part of the team even though they aren’t. They might be a fan of the team, they may even be studying the plays, or playing the game, but they aren’t on the team yet. Maybe they’re even wearing what looks like a uniform, but they still aren’t on the team. Do you think that’s respectful or not respectful of the team? The coach of that team? Taking communion is similar in that if you aren’t a part of God’s family yet and haven’t made Jesus the boss of your life, you’re not ready for communion. It would be disrespectful to God and yourself to try to be a part of something you’re not ready for yet. The Bible tells us that we need to seek our hearts even after we’re saved to see if we’re ready before we take communion. It says we are to make amends (say sorry) if we need to and confess our sins to God. It is NOT a bad thing to not be ready for communion or even abstain (choose not) to take it one day. (Ms. Amanda has abstained as an adult a few times because of questions she had about communion, or some sin she was wrestling with. It’s ok and in fact can be good to wait until you’re ready (just like making Jesus the boss of your life!).)
HOW CAN I SHOW MY KIDS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS?
This can be a doozy. The best way to show your kids the importance of something is by showing them how important it is to YOU and talking to them about it. Be honest. Communion is a time that you get to join in with all people all throughout history in remembering Christ’s sacrifice and looking forward to his return. In a way, you’re having a meal with Jesus himself. That’s not to say that it has to be silent and everyone has to sit still and not say a word. Over on our side (Ms. Amanda talking here), we have kids asking questions (some of the kids have no indoor voice, mine lol), parents shushing, going through explanations as best we can, and trying to bring our kids along with us to show them what they get to be a part of one day. You're welcome to come sit by us and we can group parent/answer questions!
WHAT IS THE LORD’S SUPPER (aka Communion)?
The Lord’s Supper is a special time for those who follow Jesus to remember His death on the cross that paid for our sin. This time happens in the setting of a local church, as a pastor leads God’s people to receive bread, which represents Jesus’s body, and wine or juice, which represents Jesus’s blood. It’s not magical—and we aren’t actually drinking Jesus’s blood or eating His body. It is a symbol and reminder of what Jesus has done and a moment to enjoy the beauty of His presence together. The first Lord’s Supper was led by Jesus in Luke 22:7-23. Jesus and His disciples were celebrating the Passover meal together when Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He told His disciples, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (v. 19). “In the same way,” He took the cup and told them, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (v. 20). This new covenant that Jesus has established is with all who have faith in Him and who trust that He paid for their sins on the cross. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice, unlike the many animal sacrifices required in the Old Testament. He was the once-and-for-all payment needed for our sin, and the Lord’s Supper reminds us of the depth of God’s love seen on the cross and our desperate need for a Savior.
WHO CAN RECEIVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
The Lord’s Supper is to be practiced within the local church by those who have become Christians (made Jesus the Boss of their life). It is a reminder of what God has done for His people on the cross and a moment to remember His lovingkindness in paying for our sin.
HOW SHOULD WE RECEIVE THE LORD’S SUPPER?
Paul gave instructions for receiving the supper in 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. He spoke of participating in a worthy manner, examining our hearts. So, if our kids have become Christians, how can we help them do so? The most helpful way to help kids understand the Supper is to discuss it both at home and as it is happening in your church. ENCOURAGE CONFESSION OF SIN. Before we receive the supper, we take time to think about our sin and how one sin is enough to separate us from God forever. We couldn’t keep His Law, so God sent Jesus to pay for sin so that we could be made right with Him. Before we receive the Lord’s Supper, it’s important to confess our sin to God, and if any of our sin has been against another person or hurt them, we should confess our sin and apologize to them as well. ENCOURAGE REMEMBRANCE. As we receive the bread and the juice and eat and drink together, we seek to focus our minds on Jesus and His kindness to us on the cross. We think about how our sin brings about God’s wrath and how Jesus took on the punishment for our sin on the cross. Paul said that in practicing the Supper together we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (v. 26). We teach the good news of Jesus to our own hearts and to those around us as we eat the bread and drink the juice. We proclaim that Jesus died, but He will also return, and we will eat and drink with Him in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9). May we take every opportunity to remind our kids of this great truth! Taken from an article by Mary WileySome helpful hints in talking about Communion with Kids The symbolism of body and blood. Because children usually don’t begin to develop abstract thinking capabilities further until they have reached the upper elementary or junior high years, they won’t be able to understand clearly how the bread and drink are not actually the physical flesh and blood of Christ. It will be somewhat confusing. However, you can explain that they are symbols. This might lead to more questions, at which point it is perfectly acceptable for you to take the opportunity to explain that we really don’t know anything more than that, because Jesus did not tell us any more about those elements. It’s ok to say that it’s partially a mystery to us all, because it is! (Retrieved from KidsminTools.com)
Some helpful hints in talking about Communion with Older Kids
Recount (Before Church)– Kids learn best through storytelling, plus they love to hear tales about when you were a child. Help lead your kids through an exercise of remembrance. You could show your kids something sentimental from a time in your life and explain how when you see it or think of it, you remember those moments. In a similar way, the bread and the cup of communion remind us of Jesus and what He did for us every time we receive them.
Remember - Explain to your kids that communion is a way believers remember what Jesus did for us in His death on the cross, burial and resurrection.
The scripture about The Last Supper is on the back page of your kids worship guides!
Reflect – Communion is one of the two “ordinances” the Lord has given the church, with baptism being the other. Both baptism and the Lord’s Supper powerfully reflect the gospel— the death and resurrection of Christ. They are opportunities for us to remember the significance of what Christ has done for us. Help your kids understand that communion is meant for those who already have union with Jesus (those who have made Jesus the boss of their lives). If your children haven’t yet trusted the Lord, take time during the Lord’s Supper to explain the gospel in terms they can understand. Maybe say something like this: We are all born with sin. Sin is all the bad we do and the sad it causes. Sin ruined our relationship with God. BUT Jesus came to fix our relationship with God! When we make him the boss of our life, sin doesn’t hurt our relationship with God like it once did. Jesus took that broken relationship and fixed it forever. Making Jesus the boss of your life is a BIG decision and shouldn’t be made lightly. God will let you know when it’s time. Your parents, KidsMin staff, Church family, etc are here if you have any questions!
Reverence – When we take communion, we pause and remember what Jesus did on the cross, and we reflect on the blessing we receive as children of God. This gives us a sense of reverence for God. Communion is an act of worship that leads us to be in awe of who God is and what He has done in your life.
Chances are your kids will want to know exactly what is going on. Explain you’ll have a small cracker and small cup of grape juice or wine. The cracker represents Jesus’ body that was broken. Ask your child to consider all the things Jesus went through on His way to and on the cross. He was physically beaten and broken in ways we can’t even imagine. Then you eat the bread in remembrance of Jesus’ broken body and death on the cross. The wine represents the blood shed on our behalf. His blood is what makes atonement (payment) for our sin. He took our sin on Himself on the cross and paid the price with His blood. You drink the grape juice or wine in remembrance of the blood shed on our behalf. Typically, after you eat the bread and drink the “wine,” you’ll have a moment of prayer and reflection followed by worship.
Communion is special, designed to bring the follower of Christ into a sweet time of reflection, remembrance and reverence. (Found partially on nextstepdisciple.org)
This was written by Ms. Amanda, but Ms. Khyrstyn, and Ms. Liana agree!
If you have any questions or your kids do, feel free to reach out to anyone on KidsMin staff. We would LOVE to talk about cool Jesus-y and church-y things with you and your kiddos.