COMMUNION:

A NOTE FOR THE PERSON DOING COMMUNION Don’t be scared This is a good example of The Lie. The Truth is your doing one of the best things you could do with your life at this moment, helping people to remember Christ. He’s proud of you, and will one day say “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

Get out the bread (keeping it whole, could be piece of bread or a bun. I’ve used a Panini too.) It will be on the plate and set it in the middle of the table, also get the wine cup (empty) and the juice and put on the table. Get the small plate of gluten free bread/crackers if we have it.

What you will say:

3) “We are now going to do communion service.  Communion is SIMPLY a time to REMEMBER Jesus, and what he has done for you, and for the world. At Q we belong to a denomination that has an OPEN TABLE belief, which means EVERYONE is welcome to the Table to take communion that would like to – it is NOT about being good enough, or too sinful or any of the other mistaken beliefs that have been confused with communion. Our belief is that if anyone wants to come to Jesus in remembrance of him, there is no one that he would turn away. If you don’t feel comfortable taking communion, that is no problem at all. You can pass, and use the time for prayer and reflection.

Pray: (Bless the elements – you can say any God puts on your heart as long as you give thanks because that’s what Jesus did). Mine will change, but could be something like “God we give you thanks for bringing us here today, for drawing us in by your Spirit to gather and grow, and to remember your Son. Thank you for providing these elements, I pray that you would bless them as we participate in communion together. Help all to feel welcome.

Break the bread and as you are breaking say something like “Jesus said, this is my body given for you, do this in remembrance of me“. Then once its broken once people can tear off a piece themselves when it comes to them (I dont usually pre-break but you can and then still hold it and say the words above. Either is fine)

Cup: Then hold the cup and the jug and pour the jug in saying “Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you, and poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.

Time of reflection: We’re going to take a short time now to reflect on ourselves, and to remember Christ. I will then get up, and start serving to each of you. Break a piece of bread off, and you can dip it into the cup. Some services they wait, and all take it at the same time, but here today you can take it as soon as you receive it. If you need gluten free bread then ____John____ will be with me, holding gluten free bread.

Serve: Then I would approach each person, and see if they would like it (you should be able to tell!). Then if they do say for the bread – “Esther, the Body of Christ, given for you” and they can break off a piece. Then say “The Blood of Christ, poured out for you” and they can dip it in. They can eat it right away.

Closing Prayer: When everyone is done, close in prayer. You can say something very simple like, “God, we thank you. May many more be able to receive the gift of forgiveness and new life through your Son”