Taking Communion

This is an open letter to Sue who recently commented on another post.  I don't have her e-mail, so I shall address it here.

She asked about taking communion. Here is an excerpt from her comment, "I have a question about communion. What is communion and who can and can't take part in it? I just recently gave my heart to God, I have so much to learn. I so enjoy your blog. 
Thank you
Sue"

Dear Sue, 
I am no expert in theology.  What I know comes from reading my Bible and from the teaching I've received from my pastors over the last thirty plus years.  I encourage you to seek out your pastor's wife or one of the older ladies in your church.  If you're not yet in church, find one with a pastor that  opens the Bible every Sunday and preaches from it.

There is scripture about taking communion or The Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11.

"23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord."  
King James Version Bible Gateway

Our church, practices what is called open communion.  Anyone who has accepted and confessed Jesus the Christ as his (her) savior, and believes in his (her) heart that God raised Him from the dead, is welcome to take communion with us.  Church or denomination membership is not required to partake. 
Some churches have closed communion and allow only church members to take communion in their church.  There are different traditions.  You'd need to check with your church.

My church is non-denominational.  We believe the bread represents the body of Jesus and the grape juice represents the blood of Jesus. We believe that it is to be done in a prayerful, reverent way.  We examine our hearts for sin and confess it to the Lord so that we are not eating and drinking unworthily. 

"The most important thing about taking communion is to reflect upon your heart and make sure you're right with God.  If not, then make it right in that moment by repenting (confessing and turning from your sin) and expressing thankfulness in your heart to Jesus."

Communion can also be taken privately just you and the Lord or in a small group or family setting. 

Sue, I am sure that God is very pleased that you are questioning and searching.  I pray that He will reveal His truth to you and bring ladies into your life that can come alongside you and disciple you. I'll be happy to answer questions to the best of my ability.  Remember, the most important part is making sure that your heart is right with God.

God bless you!

Sincerely,

Laura