Holy Communion: A Sacrament of the United Methodist Church

communion_cup_loaf.jpgHoly Communion

Holy Communion is one of two sacraments recognized and practiced in the United Methodist Church. "Holy Communion is a sacred meal in which the community of faith, in the simple act of eating bread and drinking juice, proclaims and participates in all that God has done, is doing, and will continue to do for us in Christ."*  In Holy Communion, we remember God's gift of Jesus Christ and Christ's sacrifice on our behalf.  We also remember God's grace given to us in our baptism and partake of the spiritual food necessary for sustaining us in the journey of faith.  As a sacrament, we believe Holy Communion is a means of God's grace.  It is not solely a memorial meal, but is also a time we encounter the Risen Lord through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 

"Because the table at which we gather belongs to the Lord, it should be open to all who respond to Christ's love, regardless of age or church membership."*
     By Water and the Spirit, Book of Resolutions, p. 875

Method:  We receive Holy Communion by "intinction", the method whereby the bread is given and then the cup is offered.  The bread is then dipped in the juice and both elements are received at the same time.

Weekly:  Holy Communion and Prayer are offered in the Chapel in the Sanctuary Complex every Sunday at 8:15 a.m. and noon (except the Sundays when it is a part of the regular worship services). 
 

The 8:15 a.m. service is for anyone interested in starting their morning at the Lord's Table.  Following communion, a time of prayer is offered for everyone present.  This service will finish in plenty of time for Sunday School classes and for the early worship service. 
 

The 12:00 noon service is an extension of the other morning worship services.  There is a brief Blessing of the Elements followed by the serving of communion.  People are welcome to go or to stay at the altar and pray.  People depart as the Spirit leads them.

Monthly:  The sacrament of Holy Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month (except for December when it is offered on Christmas Eve) at all morning worship services and is open to all who seek a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Communion Wafers that are gluten free are available every time communion is offered from any of the servers.  Just let your server know that you want the special wafer (host) for persons with allergies.

Children of any age are welcome to take part in Communion.  See Children and Communion for more information.