First Communion Instruction
“As you share the bread and wine, give thanks for the family of Jesus which surrounds you, and give thanks for the promise of Jesus: ‘You are a precious child of God. I will always love you. I will be with you, loving you and forgiving you all the days of your life.’”
~ Daniel Erlander
Bethel youth grades 3, 4, and 5 who have not taken first Communion Instruction are invited at this time. This is an invitation to our families to plan for First Communion instruction during two of the Wednesday of Lent. Please set aside the evenings of:
Wednesday, March 25 and
Wednesday, April 1
for instruction regarding receiving the Lord’s Supper. We will meet in the Centennial Room at 5:30 pm.
(If your child has already been instructed we are not asking you to repeat what was covered at another instruction.)For some families you may well have a son or a daughter who has been asking questions regarding receiving the Sacrament. Still other youth are wondering why it is important at all. Whatever your child understands to date, they are invited to participate and learn more. This time of instruction is not a mandate that you must receive Holy Communion at a certain age. It is an invitation to let you know that your child is welcome when your child is ready (at any age). If your child does not participate this year, they are invited to the instruction time during Lent next year.
We trust that a parent/guardian will accompany the child to these times of instruction. Your pastors along with seminarian, Bob Caranicas, will meet with the group in the Centennial Room from 5:30 pm until 6:20 pm on March 25 and on April 1. Children ready to participate are invited to their First Communion; either on Maundy Thursday – April 9, Easter Sunday – April 12, or any Communion Sunday to follow when you all feel prepared to receive.
You are also invited to come a few minutes early for a simple supper in the Fellowship Hall. It is a free-will offering beginning at 5:15 pm with Lenten worship at 6:30 immediately following the First Communion instruction.
“Given and shed for ALL people.” Come and be included. You are welcome at the Lord’s Table!
Pastor Julé Ballinger