Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1995 - Rparchives.org

180 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF THEnourishment and growth, and their commitment to faithful discipleship inChrist. It is also given to be a covenant and pledge of their communion withhim, and with each other, as members of his body, the church.6. The Lord's Supper is to be observed frequently, as determined by theSession, in keeping with the reverence enjoined in 1 Cor. II. It should beadministered following the preaching of the Word. The symbols of theLord's Supper are bread and wine.7. Only those who have been baptized and are communicant members ingood standing are to be admitted to the Lord's Table. Persons whose mannerof life is notably inconsistent with their Christian profession or who areunknown to the Session in charge of the Table, are not to be admitted. TheSession should attend to the faithful administration of the sacrament andexercise diligent and continual oversight of those under its care. Those whodesire to commune but are not under the care of the Session are to beinterviewed as to their personal commitment to Christ, their churchmembership and their baptism.8. It is the privilege and duty of every member to observe the Lord'sSupper regularly and with careful preparation. The congregation should benotified at least a week in advance of the celebration of the Supper. TheSession may appoint one or more preparatory services, at times convenientfor the congregation. Such "communion seasons" are appropriately occasionsfor guest ministers to assist in the preaching of the Word. The Covenant ofChurch Membership should be read and be explained at one of thepreparatory services.9. Before the administration of the Lord's Supper, the minister shouldread the Scriptural basis for the sacrament from one of the Gospels or from1 Cor. II. He should follow the general pattern described in the followingsections, although he may employ different language, using his own libertyand godly wisdom as the edification of the congregation shall require.9.1 The minister shall give instruction as to the institution and nature ofthe Lord's Supper, drawing attention to the words of institution in 1 Cor.11:23-26."The Lord's Supper is an ordinance instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ.Until his coming again,it is to be observed in perpetual remembrance of thesacrifice of Himself in His death. The physical elements, representing thebroken body and the shed blood of the Savior, are received by true believersas signs and seals of all the benefits of His sacrifice upon the cross. Theysignify and seal remission of sins and nourishment and growth in Christ, andare a bond and pledge of the communion of believers with Him and witheach other as members of his mystical body, the church. As signs and sealsof the covenant of grace, they not only declare that God is faithful and true