The Communion Rite
Statement of Belief
We believe in the observance of Communion, with its ordinances of humility, body, and blood, as a remembrance of Christ's service, suffering, death, and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 — John 6:48-58 1)
Additional Information
In our journey as Christians, we often find ourselves awash in the wonder of the divine mysteries which permeate the pages of the Holy Scriptures. One such rite, the Lord's Supper, has become a cornerstone of Christian faith and fellowship, drawing us ever nearer to the heart of the Saviour Himself. In these solemn moments, we come to remember the anguish and triumph of our Redeemer as He bore the weight of the sins of all and broke the chains of death once forever (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
As we partake of the bread, the symbol reminds us of Christ's body, which was broken for our transgressions. The Scriptures reveal that He, the Bread of Life, came down from heaven to feed the souls of those who hunger for righteousness (John 6:48-51). By accepting the gift of Christ's sacrifice, we find sustenance and hope for our journey through this world, as He becomes the life-giving bread that nourishes our spirit.
The cup, filled with the fruit of the vine, symbolizes the blood of Christ, which was shed for the redemption of humankind. It is through His blood that we are cleansed and made whole, as a testament to the depth of God's love for His children (John 6:53-56). As we drink of the cup, we are reminded of the new covenant established between God and His people, sealed by the blood of the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Yet, the Lord's Supper is not merely a solemn act of remembrance. It is a proclamation of our faith in the resurrection of Christ and our hope in His glorious return. For it is in the breaking of bread and the sharing of the cup that we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again (1 Corinthians 11:26). Thus, as we gather around the table, we are united as one body in Christ, bound together in love and fellowship by the grace that has been so lavishly bestowed upon us.
In addition to the Lord's Supper, there is another humble act that bears witness to the essence of Christ's ministry: the washing of one another's feet. As our Master stooped low to wash the feet of His disciples, so are we called to serve one another in love and humility (John 13:1-17). For it is in these seemingly insignificant acts that the greatness of God's kingdom is revealed, as we follow the example of the One who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
In conclusion, the practice of foot-washing and the observance of the Lord's Supper are profound expressions of our faith in Christ's service, suffering, death, and resurrection. As we wash one another's feet, we embody the humility and servanthood of the One we follow. And as we partake of the bread and the cup, we remember the body and blood of our Saviour, who gave Himself up for us in a supreme act of love. Through these rituals, we become ever more united in our journey towards the eternal kingdom, where we shall feast with our King in joy and thanksgiving, forevermore.