Jesus started the tradition of communion. Jesus instructed His followers to use bread and the cup to remember the sacrifice He was going to make when He died for our sins on the cross.

The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23b-25

COMMUNION IS AN ACT BY WHICH WE EXPERIENCE GOD’S PRESENCE 

When we receive the bread and the cup, we remember that Jesus is the One who provides all we need.
Through communion, we experience God’s presence and power in our lives. Since we are meeting with God, it is our job to make sure that our hearts are ready for that meeting. Have I accepted Jesus’ sacrifice and forgiveness and chosen to live my life for Him?

So a person who eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in a way that is not worthy of it will be guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord. Look into your own hearts before you eat the bread and drink the cup.                                 1 Corinthians 11: 27-28a

COMMUNION IS A WAY TO EXPERIENCE UNITY WITH FELLOW BELIEVERS

At Countryside, communion is offered to all Christ Followers who are present as an act of true community. However, it is important that all who are participating in communion have made a commitment to Jesus for their
salvation. If you would like to learn more about what salvation means, you can ask to talk with a Pastor or refer to the RE-SET brochure. While membership is an important part of the church community, at Countryside it is not a requirement for participating in communion.

And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body. 1 Corinthians 10:17

COMMUNION IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OUR THANKFULNESS TO CHRIST

Celebrating communion marks the story of Jesus, how He gave Himself completely to give us a better life, a new start, and a fresh relationship with God.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 

Jesus took the punishment for our actions when He chose to give up His life and die on the cross. The juice we drink represents the blood He shed for us on the cross. The bread we eat represents His body, broken so that we could have life. Because of God’s amazing grace (giving us what we don’t deserve), we can participate in communion in a spirit of thankfulness! Communion celebrates the Good News that Jesus was broken for us
so that we can be made new through Him.