Pastor's Corner "The Importance of Communion"

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." Matthew 26:26-29 RSV For I received from the Lord what I also deleived to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, "This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. 1st Corinthians 11:23-26 Why Is Holy Communion So Important?       United Methodists have not always appreciated the importance of the Lord's Supper. In many churches, when the Lord's Supper is celebrated, those Sundays are often the lowest in attendance. Why is that? Probably a variety of reasons for this drop in attendance on Communion Sunday. Some say the worship service is "too long" on Communion Sunday....."It always runs over an hour....." Jesus hung on a cross for at least three hours, suffering and dying for us. Is an hour and a half or two hours really too long to give to Him? Others say, "I prefer more preaching," but the Lord's Supper preaches its own powerful message. The Lord's Supper proclaims Christ Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection until He comes again in glory. Others reply, "That I am not worthy; I am a sinner." True, we are to examine our hearts and lives before receiving this holy sacrament, repent of our sins and seek a new life. But, none of us is worthy to receive the Lord's Supper. The Lord's table tells us that God is for us, the unworthy, the sinner. We come to His table because of His invitation, mercy and grace.       So, what do we as Christians in the United Methodist Church believe about this holy sacrament? First, Jesus Himself gave us this holy sacrament and commanded us, His followers, to observe it. Christians have always celebrated the Lord's Supper together. Many New Testament scholars believe that the Lord's Supper was celebrated each time the early church met, whether it was daily, twice a week or weekly. Churches have always celebrated the Lord's Supper, whether it be weekly, monthly, quaterly, or once-a-year, but it was celebrated. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, encouraged "The Methodists" to celebrate the Lord's Supper at least once a week.       Second, we believe this is a holy mystery. We cannot explain completely or totally what happens in the Lord's Supper. We believe the Lord Jesus is present in the celebration of His sacrament and that He touches us in unique and special ways. Different churches have and continue to disagree and argue about what happens during Holy Communion. As United Methodist Christians, we receive the body and blood as symbols. By faith they become Christ for us. The miracle for us is not in changing bread into flesh, juice into blood, but the miracle that happens by faith in the heart of every believer. We remember His suffering and death for our sins and sins of the whole world. We celebrate that He is alive, risen and with us through and in the Holy Spirit. We wait in hope and eager anticipation for His return in glory.       We believe the Lord Jesus wants this supper to be a symbol of our unity in Him, not as a sign of our brokenness and division. That is why we as United Methodist Christians practice an open table. All are invited! All are welcome! John Wesley believed the Lord's Supper is a means of grace. God works in and through this sacrament. God changes people's lives when they come to Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus is present at His table to us in unique and special ways. So why shouldn't His table be open to all people who need to be changed? None of us are worthy. We come by His call and invitation. As one of my seminary professors used to say, "Can you imagine having people over to your home, then sitting down to dinner, but telling them they could not eat." Our gracious Lord calls all to Him and His table.       We practice an open table. All are welcome. All are invited; regardless of age or faith commitment. We ask only three things of you: that you come seeking the presence of the risen Lord, that you be sorry for your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors and intend to live a new life. You come at the direction and guidance of our ushers. This last direction deals with order and decency. This is the same reason only persons who are ordained as elders or deacons, or otherwise authorized by the church may consecrate communion. This does not mean "lay persons" are not worthy to bless the bread and juice. This is merely a way to try to protect the sanctity of holy communion from misuse or anything that would tamper with its full meaning and significance.       In our tradition it is also an issue of pastoral care that we usually always use grape juice instead of wine for holy communion. We have historically been a church that advocates the abstinence from alcoholic beverages and we want the Lord's table to be open to all, even those who struggle with alcoholism.       We believe that the Lord's Supper is a "means of grace." Again, it is more than just a memorial. The risen Lord is with us by faith. At His table He assures us of His forgiveness and love for us, strengthens our faith to live the Christian life, reminds us we are brothers and sisters in Christ, the body of Christ, the church family.       May we gather together for Sunday School and Worship every Sunday. May we on the first Sunday of the month gather at His table to receive the Lord's supper and dedicate ourselves anew to Him. God bless you all. Your Pastor and Friend, Phil Tocknell

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Last modified: April 2, 2005