The Lord's Supper

1 Cor. 11:23-26 - Can be taken anytime and practiced at different intervals by different churches and denominations.  We typically do it the Sunday evening prior to Easter.  This is the season of the Passion

I.  The Purpose? 
#1.  To Remember - 1 Cor. 11:24 - (examples:  Memorial Day - wreaths, flags)
"do this in remembrance of Me"

#2.  To Proclaim - 1 Cor. 11:26 = Visual proclamation - Example:  Baptism
Expresses:
    A)  Belief in the cross as historic event, substitutionary sacrifice.
ie:   literal Jesus, literal cross, literal death -- without necessarily saying anything.
   B)   Participation in the cross - what He did for me personally.  2 Cor. 5:21 - accepted Him as Lord and Savior.   1 Pet. 2:24 - relationship with God set right 

#3.  To Give thanks - 1 Cor. 10:16 - cup of thanksgiving.  eucharist (from eucharisteo) --- "I give thanks"

#4.  To Express unity - 1 Cor. 10:17
Contrast Unity - all singing the same song
              Harmony - in tune,on key, in sync        Eph. 4:3-6
Most, if not all, church bodies are not necessarily always in harmony - made up of people - are disagreements, conflicts, etc.  BUT, are all in unity in belief in Jesus Christ.  ie:  singing the same song.

On one hand - Lord's Supper is very personal.
But, also done in congregational setting - one body.  We are one in Christ.

II.  How Important is the Lord's Supper??  Luke 22:19 - "do this...."
Baptist belief - is ordinance of the church

III.  The participant?  (Baptized) Believer

IV.  The manner?  - 1 Cor. 11:27 -  not about your condition.  About your approach. 
You are NOT worthy.  If were, wouldn't need a Savior. 

V.  The observation?  @Octavia Baptist Church - once a year on Sunday evening prior to Easter.  No concrete directives in scripture.  Just "as often as you do it"

VI.  The preparation .. 1 Cor. 11:28-29- Examine yourself.