Sharing Communion With Children

Communion is an important part of worshiping God and remembering Jesus’ sacrifice. Jesus specifically requested that we hold communions “in remembrance” of him. On Easter, children’s ministries all over the world will retell the story of Jesus death and resurrection. After Easter, communion might get lost during the rest of the year. Keep Easter alive all year round by holding regular communion services with your kids. Teaching kids about communion and it’s importance will make stronger Christians tomorrow. Here are some things to consider when sharing communion with kids.

Note: The practice of the Lord’s Supper differs widely among the various Christian traditions. Some do not allow Children to participate until they are Baptized (or confirmed) as members of the congregation.  Other groups allow parents to direct their children according to their conscience. Still others welcome all children to share in this expression of faith. Be certain to know your church’s practice and consult your pastor first. If your church is more guarded in their practice, you might want to merely demonstrate and explain the elements to younger children. Nearly all Christian groups would encourage children to learn about Communion and the Good News that it proclaims.

Proper Preparation
Spend some time preparing children for communion. This should include reading the communion story from Luke chapter twenty-two. Verse nineteen, in the NIV says, “And (Jesus) took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.‘ In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in m blood, which is poured out for you.” Teach kids that when we “remember” special days we reenact the day in our mind. This is what Jesus wants us to do. We are to think about communion with Jesus as if we were there. Also, pray over your communion service. Besides teaching kids, lay a prayer foundation so that your service is well received. Talk with your senior pastor about your upcoming communion service. Ask him to pray with you about the event.
Prepare the Table
Set up tables for kids to sit at to take communion. Alternatively, you could place cloths on the floor and have communion picnic style. Place a cloth in a wicker basket and fill the basket with pita or flat bread. Cover the cloth and ask kids not touch foods. Have small plastic cups handy and grape juice. Ask kids to wash their hands before sitting down for communion.
At Communion
Play some instrumental music quietly in the background. This will help set a worshipful mood. Seat kids at communion after their regular praise and worship. This gives kids a chance to burn off some energy before settling down for a few minutes at communion. Ask a few children to read the communion passage before the sharing of bread. Lead the children in a brief prayer that guides children back to the meaning of communion. Break the bread and pass it to children. Instruct them to break off a piece and pass the bread around. Serve the grape juice and pass the cups around. Give kids an opportunity to talk about worshiping Jesus.

Need More Help? Holy Communion is sometimes called The Eucharist, or The Lord’s Supper. You may enjoy learning about different approaches to this Christian observance from this article on Wikipedia.