Threefold Communion
Threefold Communion is a unique service that we typically celebrate once a month. This 2-3 hour service is detailed below.
Our communion is patterned after Jesus' supper with the disciples just before His crucifixion and includes footwashing, a full meal and the bread and the cup. Communion is a mutual sharing with Christ and His body, which is the church!
Article 8 of our Statement of Faith also discusses Threefold Communion.
1. Footwashing
(A Symbol of Our Present State)
We wash feet in obedience to Jesus' command found in John 13:14. This action reminds us of the current opportunity that God's children have to ask for forgiveness of sins to restore fellowship with Him. The roots of feet washing as necessary to approach God are found in Exodus 30:17-21.
Supporting Scripture:
John 13:1-17, 33-35, 1 Timothy 5:9-10 & 1 John 1:9
2. The Lord's Supper
(A Symbol of Our Future with Christ)
We partake of this full meal in anticipation of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the feasting that we will enjoy in Christ's kingdom. Based on Paul’s description in 1 Corinthians 11, The Lord’s Supper is clearly a full meal, though it is more than a regular meal, it's a special opportunity for the saints to wait upon and serve one another.
Supporting Scripture:
1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 29-34 & Revelation 19:5-9
3. The Eucharist
(A Symbol of Christ's Past Sacrifice for Us)
The bread symbolizes the broken body of Christ which broke the old covenant (the law). The wine symbolizes the shed blood of Christ which in one act purchased a new and better covenant for us (grace through faith). This symbol is a living memorial for Christ and is our way of actively saying "thank You" ... after all "gratitude" or "thankfulness" is just what the word eucharist means!
Supporting Scripture:
Luke 22:15-20 & 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, 11:23-30