Communion
This same reenactment of the Last Supper is sometimes called the Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving, i.e., at the Last Supper itself Christ gave thanks, and on their part, Christians have nothing for
which to be more thankful.
It is also called Holy Communion because
when feeding at this implausible
table, Christians believe that
they are communing with the
Holy One himself, his spirit
enlivening their spirits, heating
the blood and gladdening the heart just the way wine, as spirits, can.
-Frederick Buechner
The invitation to the Lord’s Supper is extended to all who have been baptized, remembering that access to the Table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. In preparing to receive Christ in this Sacrament, the believer is to confess sin and brokenness, to seek reconciliation with God and neighbor, and to trust in Jesus Christ for cleansing and renewal. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may come to the Table in order to be assured of God’s love and grace in Christ Jesus.
Baptized children who are being nurtured and instructed in the significance of the invitation to the Table and the meaning of their response are invited to receive the Lord’s Supper, recognizing that their understanding of participation will vary according to their maturity.
-Book Of Order W-2.4011 (A,B)