Communion Sunday at Home:
Although we may be apart, there are countless things we can still do together as the body of Christ like pray, read scripture, and stay in touch through social media, phone calls, and emails. This Sunday, we also celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. To prepare to receive Communion at home, I ask you to have bread and juice ready at your own “Table of the Lord” in your home. I would also ask that you follow these directions as we participate together:
First, I would ask that you take a Bible that you have in your home and turn to the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 26:26-30. It says: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Please read these words in your home as I am recite them at the altar at the church.)
Next, as I raise the bread and break it and as I raise the cup to be blessed, please do the same with your bread and juice at home. By doing so, this will symbolically bless all our bread and juice together.
Finally, share with one another the body and blood (the bread and juice) of our Lord and Savior, saying, “Receive the body…receive the blood…of our Lord Jesus Christ.” After our time of Communion is over, in your homes and on the church video, I will conclude with a time of prayer.
I’m excited for all of us to participate in this very holy sacrament! This is one more way we worship our Lord together even when we are apart!
Blessings…Pastor Gary
