By Betty Hertz
Our monthly communion observance will be happening on Sunday. Have you thought about the words of the service, or do you find yourself just saying the words? I've experienced it both ways. Recently, I took a Be A Disciple course, "Come to the Table." I don't think I can view the sacrament casually anymore.
What changed? As I looked at all parts of the communion service, I learned the significance of each element. I learned the table is God's table with God as the host, we are the community, and the minister is the presider. Communion is more than the Last Supper and Christ's sacrifice; he shared meals with disciples often. The Holy Meal provides a reminder of all those times.
In talking with Pastor Emily, she shared that the Great Thanksgiving is an extended prayer to God. As I read through it, I asked, "How have I missed that?" Some phrases that reminded me are:
"You have formed us in your image."
"Your love remained steadfast."
"You delivered us from captivity."
"We praise Your name."
"by Your Spirit make us one with Christ."
I also learned that if I view communion through the presider's actions, four physical acts are performed: taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing. I haven't thought about the significance of those motions that our pastor goes through. Taking the elements from the table, blessing them, breaking the bread, and sharing the elements as we read the words of the Great Thanksgiving remind me of the hymn “One Bread, One Body” (UMH, p.620):
One bread, one body, one Lord of all,
One cup of blessing which we bless.
And we, though many throughout the earth,
We are one body in this one Lord.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for welcoming all to participate in The Holy Meal. Help me to grow in my journey with you by being more centered on this gift of bread and vine. In Jesus' name. Amen
Betty Hertz is a longtime member of St John UMC, a Stephen Minister and a member of SPRC. When not doing volunteer work, she is playing with her three goofy dogs.