I come, not because I must, but because I may.
I come, not because duty demands it, but because love compels me.
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9)
I come because the Lord Jesus invites me to come.
I come because He asks me to do this in remembrance of Him.
Luke tells us that Jesus, as He celebrated Passover with His disciples, took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (22:19)
I come to remind myself a price was paid on my behalf.
I come because here I meet the One who gave His life for me.
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
I come because at the Table I hear Him speak reassuring words, words of comfort, words I need to hear.
I come because I am reminded that I am loved by God.
I hear Him speak the words God has always spoken to His people: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
I come to find a renewed sense of peace, to remind myself of the grace that is mine in Christ.
I come because at the Table I find encouragement to stay on the journey with my Lord.
The Apostle Paul reminds us...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)
I come with my doubts and fears and the struggles of my heart.
I come to find rest, strength and courage; to refresh my spirit and rekindle my faith and hope.
In this the words of Jesus are both inviting and comforting: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
I come because at the Table I acknowledge my sin and seek His forgiveness.
I come because He is faithful and just and will forgive me and cleanse me.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
I come to experience the power of the Cross, the power of His blood.
I come to experience again the wonder of His love.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 1:10)
I come, not alone, but in community with you, my friends at Valley.
And so, I hope you will join me as we accept our Lord's invitation to come to His Table.
May we hear Him say to us, as He said to His followers the night He instituted the Lord's Supper: I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this...meal with you... (Luke 22:15).
If you are unable to join us in-person, and would like to receive communion at home, please contact one of our Elders.