By Betty Hertz, St. John Lay Leader
“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.” UMH 620
When I sang these words at the Maundy Thursday service, I once again felt their power. I thought about the variety of gifts that came together to share this meaningful evening. The gifts of the element preparers, the musicians, the tech team, the altar designer, and the community of believers. Each gift added to the shared experience.
As I watched Pastor Bill preside at the Table, drawing on traditions of his Lutheran faith, I thought about the hymn's ecumenical theme: “We are one body in this one Lord.” I pictured the diverse group of Christian believers “throughout the earth” who paused yesterday to celebrate—the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion—One Lord of All. We came together at God’s Table.
Thanks be to God!