Communion

Sharing in the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper helps us to remember what Christ has done for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-35). The table, the shared bread, and the common cup (1 Corinthians 10:17) remind us of our union with one another in Christ. When we come to the table in faith, we are strengthened and refreshed.
In some Free Church congregations - where numbers and church design make it difficult to come to a real table - people come forward to a special area. One which is often either marked off with a white cloth or contains pews covered in white cloth so as to remind us that we are at a table.

There is no rule in the Free Church of Scotland governing the frequency of communion. It is up to your Session to decide how often to hold it. Prior to the communion service itself, it is usually the practice to give either communion cards or small metal 'tokens' - with a communion related text from the Bible written on them - to those who will come to the table. This practice is to remind us that the Lord expects the eldership to organise the administration of the Supper and to ensure, as far as can be expected, that those present at the table ought to be there. In this connection, it is important to remember that the elders have a responsibility for ensuring that those who are in open wilful disobedience to Christ do not come to the Lord's table until they profess repentance. In this way, we may lose this privilege for a time if our life brings open shame on the gospel (1 Corinthians 5).

As we prepare ourselves for the Lord's Supper, we should prayerfully examine our hearts. We should repent of any sin that keeps us from a closer walk with Christ, and publicly re-dedicate ourselves to his service. Remembering that taking the Supper is also an important part of our witness to others (1 Corinthians 11:23-35).