World Communion Sunday

World Communion Sunday

Tomorrow morning our church and thousands of churches around the globe will be celebrating World Communion Sunday.  It is a Sunday to celebrate something we do each Sunday, but often forget, that the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is for all of God's people in our community and communities around the world.  Preparing your child(ren) for World Communion can come in two parts:  sharing about Communion and sharing about God's vast kingdom throughout the world.

I've looked through some of my favorite children's books on Communion and found some resources that may help as your prepare your family for worship tomorrow: (also check out some of my earlier blogs)

"We see symbols inside our church-a loaf of bread and a cup.  Jesus left them to help us remember that he was here.  On Passover night Jesus had a special meal with the friends he loved most.  They gathered to eat and to pray.

Jesus said, "Every time you eat bread together and drink from the cup, please remember me."  The loaf of bread and the cup remind us of what happened that night.  When we see these symbols, Christians remember how much Jesus loved us."
-Symbols of God's Love:  Codes and Passwords, Jeanne S. Fogle

"Holy Communion, or the Lord's Supper, is a joyous event celebrated by Christians everywhere.  Through the Lord's Supper, we

-Give thanks to God
-Remember Jesus
-Celebrate Jesus giving his life for us
-Celebrate our togetherness

The pastor tells us about Jesus and the last meal he shared with his disciples.

What is special to you about the Lord's Supper?"

-A Children's Guide to Worship, Ruth L. Boling, Lauren J. Muzzy, Laurie A. Vance

Use these excerpts to spark discussion, coloring, improv acting, or whatever way your child expresses themselves best.  For some children you may have many mini conversations and activities.  Our 5 year old will draw a picture one minute, then a few hours later want to crawl in our lap with some questions, and then later we will see her setting up communion in her play kitchen. 

In looking through your resource for discussing God's vast kingdom, take a walk through your house!  Do you have pictures of travel?  Is there a map or a globe?  Is there maybe a piece of art or clothing that is from another country?  Gather 2-5 items and use these to discuss other people around the world.  If you have a computer, look up these countries and discover what other children in those countries do that is similar and different.  Maybe sing "He's God the Whole World In His Hands" or "Jesus Loves the Little Children" with your family.  The impact of helping your child realize that there are other children around the world will help them grasp the incredible love God shares outside of their home.  Sometimes this is hard for even grown-ups to understand!  Take your time and have fun watching your child's world grow before you eyes!

Finally, tie the pieces together.  Go through some of the aspects of worship with your children.  Maybe there will be some difference tomorrow than on other Sundays.  Can they look out for them with you and let you know?  Remind them that there will be children and adult all over the world praying, singing, praising, and giving thanks to God.  There will be churches of all different sizes and shapes participating in the Lord's Supper just like them.  Again, be prepared for them to take their time absorbing and processing.  It may be a lot of little spurts of questions.

Engaging your children prior to worship is part of preparing them for worship (you too).  It helps them to get in the mindset of worship (you too).  It helps them to process questions, concerns, and joys (you too).  Just think of all the preparation and homework you do on a school night.  Why do you plan that into your day?  So your child will be able to excel right?  Same with worship.  The amount of time we are able to share and learn together, the stronger you child will feel in their faith journey...You too.

Have an incredible evening with your family and wonderful World Communion Sunday!
Lissa

*I'm working on some information on Christians and Holidays.  I would love to know your thoughts and questions.