A Table for All in Christ
Communion Meditation
At King’s Cross Church, we practice what is known as “open communion.” This means that all visiting Christians, regardless of denominational affiliation, are welcome to join us in communion.
While some other churches practice “closed communion” – only allowing those within their congregation or denomination to partake – our conviction is that this Table is not ours but the Lord’s, and therefore all that He would receive we should be willing and eager to receive as well.
At the same time, we also practice what is called “fencing the Table.” As you are seated, every week I declare as a minister of Christ that all are welcome, provided that you are a Christian, have been baptized, and are not under church discipline.1 This is an abbreviated summary of the statement found at the bottom of your bulletins.2 The purpose of this statement is to establish who this covenant meal is for. It is not for the unbelieving world, and it is also not for Christians in grievous, unrepentant sin.
But let us always remember that while the Table has a fence around it, there is a gate that all may find, there is a door that all may go through in order to find a seat. And that door is none other than Christ Jesus Himself, our Lord and Savior, whom we partake of now.
So come, and welcome, to Jesus Christ.
This was communion meditation was given on June 22, AD 2025 at King’s Cross Church in Moscow, Idaho.
“All Christians who are baptized and not under church discipline are warmly welcome to our Lord’s Table.”
“The Lord’s Supper is observed every Lord’s Day at King’s Cross. We warmly invite to the Lord’s table all those who are baptized disciples of Jesus Christ, under the authority of Christ and His body, the Church. Since the elders are responsible for the table, when a baptized child begins taking the Lord’s Supper, we ask a parent to notify one of the elders. By eating the bread and drinking the wine with us as a visitor, you are acknowledging that you are a sinner, without hope except in the sovereign mercy of God, and that you are trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. You also acknowledge to the elders of this congregation that you are in covenant with God, being active in a congregation which is covenantally bound to the triune God through Word and sacrament. If you have any doubt about your participation, please speak to the elders before or after the service.”