At Salem we recognize that all children are at different places in their faith journey and that there is no magical age when all children are ready to begin receiving communion. Therefore, Salem offers First Communion instruction to anyone who wishes to begin communing. Ultimately, the decision of whether a child is ready to commune lies with you, the parent or guardian.

The Lutheran church teaches that, “Lutherans do not attempt to understand how this
mystery is possible but instead focus on why Christ is present, namely, to allow believers to lay down their sinfulness and receive in exchange the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation from the crucified and risen Christ” – to be fed and forgiven by God through Jesus Christ.

If you believe that your child is ready to receive First Communion, we ask that a parent or guardian and the child attend a three-week First Communion class to prepare. The class will take the place of Sunday School on April 6th ,13th , and 27th from10:45-11:45am.

First Communion will be celebrated on May 4th at the 9:30am Sunday Service. If this date does not work for your family, Deacon Marti Bein is happy to make alternate arrangements with you.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with Deacon Marti Bein or Rita Johnson.