"A newspaper columnist, his wife, and young son had just moved into a new home in a new city. The father and his young son were visiting a new church for the first time. As it happened, the particular Sunday of their visit was a communion Sunday. At first, the father was hesitant to stay. But finally, he decided they would be seated for worship.

This particular church served communion in what I call the "Presbyterian style": the elements were passed through the pews by the Elders of the congregation. Quietly, the father gave some hurried instructions to the small boy: "When the plate of wafers is passed, you are to take one cup of the grape juice. And your mother will explain it all to you when we get home."

The boy sat in eager anticipation through the remainder of the service -- the hy…