“I am the bread of life.”
—John 6:35 (NRSV)

The Lord’s Supper is the sign and seal of eating and drinking in communion with the crucified and risen Lord. In this act, we remember that during his earthly ministry, Jesus shared meals with his followers and sat at dinner tables as a sign of acceptance of the sinner and the outcast. In the last meal before his death, Jesus took and shared with his disciples bread and wine, speaking of these elements as his body and blood, symbols of the new relationship with God brought about by his impending death. On the day of his resurrection, the risen Jesus made himself known to his followers in the breaking of bread.

In the act of remembering that is the Lord’s Supper, we receive and trust the love of Christ present to us and to the world. Through it, we are renewed and empowered to be the church, the body of Christ, in the world.

A wide welcome

The invitation to the Lord’s Supper is not just for Presbyterians or “members of the church.” All who confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are invited to partake of the Lord’s Supper. 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. Even one who doubts or whose trust is wavering may receive the bread and grape juice (in place of wine) in order to be assured of God’s love and grace in Jesus Christ.

Communion Schedule

Fourth Church celebrates the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday at the 4:00 p.m. Jazz worship in Buchanan Chapel.

For the 10:00 a.m. worship service in the Sanctuary, communion is celebrated six times a year, on the first Sunday of even-numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, and December).

Portions of the text above are adapted from The Book of Order.

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