Palm Sunday held extra meaning for five of our youth and their families. That morning, April 9, Paige Allison Edwards, Cullen Ryan Kelly, Reagan Roselle Marie Neis, Jax Ford Matthews Paradise and Andrew Joseph Tinsley received First Communion.
Pastor Annemarie Burke and Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath led First Communion classes on two Sundays during Lent, when students learned about communion from A Place for You by Daniel Erlander, who writes intergenerational curriculum for congregations.
Parents joined their children for the second workshop, when they learned to make communion bread from Becky Klein. For years Becky baked the bread used at Esperanza’s services.
The Lutheran Church has two sacraments: Infant Baptism and Communion.
First Communion has no age requirement. Rather, children begin to participate when parents and child feel ready.
“Learning about communion is a lifelong journey of embracing God’s amazing grace and love,” said Deacon Connie.
“The workshops were a wonderful experience of getting to know the youth and sharing that they have a place in God’s family … just the way they are!” Deacon Connie continued. “Everyone has a place at God’s table.”
Deacon Connie explained that she always feels grateful to journey with kids as they grow in their faith and understanding of our loving God. “I also think the parents learn something new when they join their child in First Communion class” she added.
Welcome Paige, Cullen, Reagan, Jax and Andrew to the table of grace!
