Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1993

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 177(Here the cup may be distributed.)"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim theLord's death until he comes."13. The elders who preside and who distribute the elements should beserved after the congregation. After aU have communed, a brief addressemphasizing the sdength, blessing and joy of God's people may be givenby an elder. Before the benediction, the service may be concluded with aprayer of thanksgiving and a suitable psalm such as the seventy-second orthe one hundred third.14. Since the portions of the elements not used in the sacrament are notset apart for sacramental use, they may be disposed of in accordance withthe judgment of the session, so long as nothing is done which woulddiminish the significance of the sacrament in the eyes of the congregation.15. Following the communion, special sermons to stimulate the congregationto more definite obedience to Christ are appropriate.CHAPTER 4SPECIAL ORDINANCES1. In addition to the elements of public worship described in Chapters2 and 3, the Scripture also establishes fasting, thanksgiving and covenantingas acts of worship. While these acts of worship may be observed voluntarily,they are to be observed by the body when the officers of the churchdeem them to be especially appropriate or necessary.FASTING2. Special days of fasting, humUiation and prayer are always appropriate,and particularly so when God's judgments are evident in the land. Itis appropriate that such a day be observed in connection with servicespreparatory to the Lord's Supper. Days designated by Synod for thispurpose should be observed. A fast day is properly observed by a publicservice of worship. Psalms of penitence should be sung, and prayers ofconfession of sin and petitions for pardon should be offered. Abstinencefrom food and from ordinary pleasures and occupations may serve tocenter attention upon the deeper and more serious things involved in theoccasion.THANKSGIVING3. Christians should be thankful at all times, and there are occasionswhen a special season of thanksgiving should be observed. The annual callfor a day of national thanksgiving should be followed by each congregation.A suitable service of public worship should be conducted at which the