Communion
Communion is normally celebrated as part of our service on the third Sunday of the month. The service has its roots in the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before he was crucified (see, for example, Matthew 26:17-30 and is a time when we remember and give thanks for what Jesus has done for us in his death on the cross. Some churches call it the Eucharist or Mass or the Lord’s Supper.
What exactly do you do? The person leading reads out the description of the Last Supper from the Bible. They stand at the front, behind the table, facing the congregation. Then there is a prayer thanking God for what Jesus has done for us. A piece of bread is then broken into two and Jesus’ words are repeated: "This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me".
Other people then carry the bread, on a plate, round to each person in the service. Those who wish to do so take
a piece of bread, eat it and reflect on the fact that Jesus has died for them.
When everyone has eaten, the wine is sent round with some appropriate words like: “This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.” Instead of alcoholic wine we use red grape juice which is distributed by the servers in little individual cups. When everyone has a little cup, the person at the front invites everyone to drink at the same time. Our minister normally uses the words: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again” to do this. By drinking together in this way we remember that Jesus’ death has made us brothers and sisters in God’s people and also that Jesus is coming back.
What exactly do you do? The person leading reads out the description of the Last Supper from the Bible. They stand at the front, behind the table, facing the congregation. Then there is a prayer thanking God for what Jesus has done for us. A piece of bread is then broken into two and Jesus’ words are repeated: "This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me".
Other people then carry the bread, on a plate, round to each person in the service. Those who wish to do so take
a piece of bread, eat it and reflect on the fact that Jesus has died for them.
When everyone has eaten, the wine is sent round with some appropriate words like: “This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.” Instead of alcoholic wine we use red grape juice which is distributed by the servers in little individual cups. When everyone has a little cup, the person at the front invites everyone to drink at the same time. Our minister normally uses the words: “Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again” to do this. By drinking together in this way we remember that Jesus’ death has made us brothers and sisters in God’s people and also that Jesus is coming back.
Can I take communion? Whether or not you take Communion is entirely voluntary, it is really between you
and God. No one will judge you should you decide to take part or not. Essentially though communion is for
those who ‘love the Lord a little and would like to love him more’ (see below). If you are a member of another Christian tradition you are welcome to share with us as we are all part of the same body of Christ.
One of the prayers which we often use before we share bread and wine summarises this:
“Come to this table, not because you must but because you may,
not because you are strong, but because you are weak.
Come, not because any goodness of your own gives you a right to come,
but because you need mercy and help.
Come, because you love the Lord a little and would like to love him more.
Come, because he loved you and gave himself for you.
Come and meet the risen Christ, for we are his Body.”
[W. Barclay, The Lord’s Supper, SCM, 1967]