FIRST COMMUNION LITURGY + FEBRUARY 2005
Based on Luther’s Small Catechism
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Menomonie, WI
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P: What is the Sacrament of Holy Communion?
First Communion Youth: The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself, for us Christians to eat and to drink.

P: Jesus Christ’s introduction of the Lord’s Supper is found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and in Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians. Jesus took bread and wine and presented it as his body and blood to his disciples. The Christian church continues this sacrament to this day. What benefit do we receive from such eating and drinking?
First Communion Parents & Families: The benefit which we receive from such eating and drinking is shown us by these words: “Given and shed for you for the remission of sins,” namely, that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
 
P: How can bodily eating and drinking do such great things?
Everyone: It is not the eating and drinking that does this, but the words here written, “Given and shed FOR YOU for the remission of sins.” These words, along with the eating and drinking, are the main thing in the Sacrament; and whoever believes these words has exactly what they say, namely, the forgiveness of sins.

P: Would those receiving their First Communion and their family members please face the congregation.
Congregation: We welcome you as communing members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the world-wide Christian community. Together we will explore the mystery and wonder of Holy Communion and accept Christ’s gifts of grace and salvation that come to us through this holy sacrament.

P: Let us pray. Gracious God, thank you for these young people who stand before us now. As they grow in years, deepen their faith in Christ and their trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the parents and family members that support and love them, and help every one of us to see ourselves, others, and the world though Jesus’ eyes.  Amen  
Words of Institution from Scripture + NRSV
Matthew 26:26-28
26 While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ 27Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you; 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 
Mark 14:22-25                                                                                                                 
22 While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ 23Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ 
Luke 22:14-20                            
14 When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.’ 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, ‘Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’ 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. 
1 Corinthians 11:23-26                                                                                    
23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.