5th Grade - First Communion

2013 Dates:

  • Feb. 24, March 10, 17. During Sunday School (Students only)
  • March 3, 3 - 5:30pm: Exodus, Seder & Cup Making (Parents & students)
  • March 10, 3 - 5:30pm: Workshop, Cup Glazing & Plate Making (Parents & students)
  • April 28, Maundy Thursday, 7pm, First Communion will be celebrated in Worship

To Register:

First Communion is a significant milestone in the faith-life of our children.

  • Our regular practice at Immanuel is to offer Communion Instruction to students during their 5th grade year as part of the Stepping Stones ministry.
  • Some children express interest in participating in the Lord’s Supper at an earlier age. If your child is one of these, please contact Minister of Faith Formation, Martin Rathjen, martin@immanuel.us, for instructional materials for parents to use at home with your child. Upon completion of these materials we ask that the parents and child meet with a Pastor.
  • We invite and encourage 5th graders and parent(s), to join us for the First Communion Instruction events in preparation for our 5th graders’ First Communion.

First Communion Instruction includes:

  • Three Sunday Mornings:During your child’s regular Sunday School hour they will view several videos and discuss the history behind The Passover with a teacher.
  • Two Sunday Afternoons in March, 3:00 –5:30pm: 
    • Parents and students will experience a re-enactment of the Exodus and experience a sample Seder Meal – a meal in which Jewish people celebrate Passover (it was during Passover that Jesus began - “instituted” - Communion). Each participant will also design and shape their own Communion cup.
    • Parents and students will participate in a First Communion Workshop. We will gather for learning activities and classroom instruction. Each participant will glaze their communion cup and families will design and “paint” their First Communion plate. We will finish the day in the sanctuary where we will practice receiving Holy Communion.
  • We spend a great deal of time working in family units, so the presence of an adult is important. If a parent is unable to attend we suggest inviting another adult who is significant in the 5th grader’s life: a baptismal sponsor, grandparent or other relative.
  • The First Communion Celebration is 7pm each Maundy Thursday.

Please contact Martin Rathjen with your questions: martin@immanuel.us