“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying ‘Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
- Matthew 26:26-28
Sunday, April 5, is the first Sunday of the month. The time when we traditionally celebrate the Sacrament of Communion in worship together. I’ve been anticipating the arrival of Communion Sunday during our time spent in physical distancing. Partly because it poses a problem: How can we share in one loaf and one cup when we are all in our separate homes? And partly because it still offers us the goodness of God’s grace in a meal that I feel like I need now more than ever. In this time of physical distancing, I crave communion.
I have a very high view of communion. And a very low view of all the rules that we place around them. John Wesley writes that the sacraments are “an outward sign of inward grace, and a means whereby we receive the same.” They are the channels by which God makes God’s grace known to the world. And if they are channels of grace that GOD created, then who are we to inhibit their flow? Who are we to put a dam in the river to create a reservoir for later? Haven’t we learned that grace comes freely? That it is abundant? That it comes from the source of life and never runs dry?
Friends, we WILL celebrate the Sacrament of Communion on Sunday. From our own homes, and our own kitchens, we will bless the bread and the juice and share in the feast together. Communion is always celebrated in the context of worship, because in worship we participate in the work of the church that spans centuries and miles. Each time we (St. John) celebrate communion, we do so in communion with the Church Universal through the ages. What better image of that now? With each of us, in our homes, an extension of the church, partaking in a meal apart yet connected.
Indeed, that is the miracle of the meal. That the water, salt, flour, and yeast sit together to become one loaf. And in sharing the bread, we who are many, in many places, in many times, too become one body.
Here’s how to prepare for communion on Sunday:
Make bread. Here’s my favorite recipe for an easy and tasty loaf: https://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/classic-sandwich-bread-recipe (Store bought bread is fine too, you don’t have to make it yourself, but it’s super easy and fun to do! If you are gluten free, use whatever bread or crackers you usually eat.)
Make grape juice. If you do I want to see pictures! I’ve never made grape juice, but apparently it is possible: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/making_grape_juice/ (For all the rest of us Welch’s will work just fine. Did you know that Welch was Methodist? Read this article for a good story! https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/changing-wine-into-grape-juice-thomas-and-charles-welch-and-the-transition). If you don’t have grape juice, wine is fine to use. Alternatively, you may use another kind of juice if you don’t have anything made with grapes.
Post a picture. Send us a picture of your communion table! Post to Instagram or Facebook using #StJohnWorships. We will share pictures of people’s communion tables during worship, and use the pictures as a way to extend the blessing over all the people gathered at their various tables. If you don’t have social media, email them to me (egrcarroll@gmail.com).
This is the gift of life in Jesus. That across time and space, God is present. God’s love is still made known to us. May it be so, this coming Sunday, and always.
Peace,
Pastor Emily