Many of us grew up with the idea that the Holy Communion service was only for grown ups, and only people who had been confirmed could receive the bread and the wine. That has now changed. The Communion is still an adult service, but people of all ages are welcome, and sharing in the bread and wine is not just for people who have been confirmed. Anyone at the service who wants to join in this way of remembering Jesus and being part of his movement is welcome to do so.
In the early days of the church everyone who was baptised shared in the Lord's Supper. But as time went on two things changed. Firstly there developed a second ceremony, after baptism, called Confirmation. Then a rule was introduced in some churches to say that only people who had been confirmed could have the bread and wine. Preparation for Confirmation, or for baptism as an adult, would involve a period of study in order to have some understanding of what being a Christian involved.
But in the last few decades many churches have come to see this situation as not fitting with the way Jesus worked. Everyone agrees that it is important to apply our minds to our faith. But our being welcomed by God does not depend on us having the right ideas, believing the right things, or understanding what it's all about. God welcomes us in prayer and worship when we are confused, baffled or full of questions, as well as when we are clear and confident.
Jesus wanted people to use their minds, and to weigh up the cost of being one of his followers, but he was also happy to have meals with all sorts of people, and welcomed children.
The Church of England changed its national policy on Communion a few years ago. Our local church councils have now decided that in these parishes children, and others who aren't confirmed, should be welcome to share in the communion if they wish.
Some time in the next few months we'll have a gathering for all our children who come to church, to explore what the communion service is, and what it means. Any adults who want to think and talk about faith are also welcome to do so. We organise discussion groups from time to time for that purpose. Or if you'd like a conversation with one of the ministers, just give us a ring and we can get together.
Confirmation is still important. It is an opportunity for people to say for themselves, in public, that they are followers of Jesus, and for the church to pray for them. But, confirmed or not, you are welcome at Communion.
David Osborne
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