Youth Communion Class

In the Presbyterian tradition, the church elders (the Session) are responsible to assist you in determining when it is appropriate for your children to become Communing Members who can participate in the communion service. Taking communion is essential for believers, and we want to make sure all our students can participate as soon as they are able.

After Easter Sunday, our youth Sunday School class will begin a five week study on what it means to be a church member. In the class, we’ll be using the five membership vows as an outline (see below) for discussion. The hope is that our students will come to a clearer understanding of the gospel, their place in the church, and the significance of the Lord’s Supper. By the end of the class, they will be eligible to receive communion (if they are not already) and will become members of the church.

What is required?

• First, the attached application must be completed and returned to Jake.
• Attendance in the class during these five weeks is very important. Students will be expected to participate during the class and also work on required memory work at home. Bring a Bible and pen!
• After the class, students will meet with two of the elders who will hear their testimony of faith (parents are welcome to join this meeting).
• Finally, students that have passed all of these requirements will stand in front of the church as a group to answer the five membership vows publicly.
  
  

What if I don’t think my child is ready to take communion/join the church?

• In that case, your child is more than welcome to sit in on the class and participate as they might usually do for Sunday School, but they will not be required to do the out of class assignments.
  
  

What if my child has already been through the Walking With Jesus class?

• Students who have taken the Walking With Jesus class, have been interviewed by the elders and admitted to the Lord’s Table will not need to repeat the whole process.
• For them, this class will be supplementary and will serve to deepen their understanding.
• At the end of the class, they will still take the membership vows and join the church as members.
  
  

What if I can’t make one of the class sessions?

• Please contact Jake to explain the situation and see if there is any alternative way to make up the required work.
  
  

What are the five membership vows?

1. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be sinners in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hope save in His sovereign mercy?
2. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and Savior of sinners, and do you receive and rest upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the Gospel?
3. Do you now resolve and promise, in humble reliance upon the grace of the Holy Spirit, that you will endeavor to live as becomes the followers of Christ?
4. Do you promise to support the Church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?
5. Do you submit yourselves to the government and discipline of the Church, and promise to study its purity and peace?
   
   

Click here to download the forms and return them to Jake by April 10. If you have any questions, please contact me. I’m looking forward to seeing your kids grow in their faith and knowledge of Christ!