In the celebration of Holy Communion, we remember the love God shows us in Jesus Christ. We actively participate in the drama of forgiveness and thanksgiving, receive the bread of life, and receive restoration as brothers and sisters in God’s family.
In the Prayer of Thanksgiving, we ask the Holy Spirit to be poured on us and on the gifts of bread and wine we offer. We ask for the Spirit’s outpouring to make the bread and wine be for us the body and blood of Christ so we, who receive them, may be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood. We believe God answers this prayer “Yes,” and the Spirit does all these things. Christ is really present here, and Christ’s presence really changes us.
Holy Communion in Scriptures
- > Jesus instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion during his last supper with his disciples, and he commanded them to continue sharing the bread and cup of the new covenant in remembrance of him (Luke 22:19-20).
- > In the first supper after the Resurrection, Jesus shared a meal with the travelers on the road to Emmaus. When he broke the bread, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him (Luke 24:13-35).
- > Since the time of the earliest Christians, disciples have shared in this sacramental meal that represents the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to all who come to receive in faith (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:23-26).
Who May Receive Communion?
The table of Holy Communion is Christ’s table, open to all who respond to Christ’s love, regardless of age or church membership. The United Methodist Church places no age restrictions on participation in the Lord’s Supper. Even infants and children are invited. The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards explains, “To whatever degree they’re able to participate in the Great Thanksgiving — even if that’s simply being held in their mother’s arms while they sleep — they are there. They are part of what we are all doing together, so they are welcome to receive.”
Do children or infants understand the full meaning of this holy sacrament? No, and neither do many adults! Holy Communion is a mystery too deep for words. Through this sacrament, God discloses things that are beyond human capacity to know through reason alone.
So we don’t turn anyone away from the table because of age or any other condition that might limit understanding of the sacrament.
When we come to the Lord’s Table, we come to the banquet table of God.
We experience the inward and spiritual grace conveyed to us through these outward and visible elements of bread and juice/wine.
At this table all are welcome and all are fed.
At this table we can catch a glimpse of the way God intends for the world to be-with all of God’s children sharing the bread of life and the cup of salvation together in a spirit of gratitude and love for God and for one another.
At Grace, we generally receive communion by intinction, that is, receiving a piece of the bread and dipping it into the juice and consuming both together.
