What does it mean to Celebrate Communion?
Since the earliest days of the church, Christians have eaten together when they gather. Not all meals in the Bible are sacramental. But all meals offer opportunities for fellowship, hospitality, shared stories, and food. Followers of Jesus incorporated meal-sharing into their daily gatherings. Acts 2:42 describes practices of the early church: gathering regularly, telling the story of the gospel, sharing a meal like Jesus shared with his followers, and praying. These practices are incorporated into rituals around the sacrament of communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist (which means thanksgiving). The sharing of bread and wine is an essential part of how Christians relate to God and to one another. These are gifts Jesus left with us.
Communion is accompanied by a range of meanings for those who partake in it. We understand the sacrament to be an expression of thanksgiving to God, a remembrance of what Christ has done, an arena of the activity of the Holy Spirit, communion with God and with one another, and anticipation of the coming reign of God. In the holy meal, we are fed by Christ’s body and nourished for the journey of the Christian life. We are blessed by the very presence of Christ, who invites us to his table. We are united with one another by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Communion is accompanied by a range of meanings for those who partake in it. We understand the sacrament to be an expression of thanksgiving to God, a remembrance of what Christ has done, an arena of the activity of the Holy Spirit, communion with God and with one another, and anticipation of the coming reign of God. In the holy meal, we are fed by Christ’s body and nourished for the journey of the Christian life. We are blessed by the very presence of Christ, who invites us to his table. We are united with one another by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Learn more about Celebrate Communion
Learn more about the theological foundations for this practice.
Foundational essay |
Introduction video |
Celebrate Communion practices
Most of us think of celebrating communion in the context of a Christian worship service. The celebration of communion, however, is not limited to church buildings. It is a practice that extends beyond the Lord’s Table to tables in homes and soup kitchens. Whenever we take bread, give thanks, break the bread, and give it to others, we carry the celebration of communion with us into our daily lives and the world. We remember Jesus and all the meals he shared and look forward to the great banquet where all are fed.
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Other ways to Celebrate Communion
EVEnts
Music for Mission: Seraph Brass
Sunday, October 8 at 3:00PM
FPC Sanctuary
Give thanks to God for music and talent at our first concert of the 2023-2024 Music for Mission concert series!
Sunday, October 8 at 3:00PM
FPC Sanctuary
Give thanks to God for music and talent at our first concert of the 2023-2024 Music for Mission concert series!
Sunday Supper
Sunday, October 22 at 5:45PM
Assembly Room
This month, as we continue to celebrate communion, we will break bread together and create a work of art representing this part of the body of Christ. (Please RSVP so we can plan for your participation.)
Sunday, October 22 at 5:45PM
Assembly Room
This month, as we continue to celebrate communion, we will break bread together and create a work of art representing this part of the body of Christ. (Please RSVP so we can plan for your participation.)
Family Fall Festival
Saturday, October 22
FPC Side Parking Lot
Share candy (rather than bread) and fun at our fall festival, meant for kids in elementary school and younger. Join us for snacks, games, and costumed fun. Questions? Email Chris Teesdale at dcym@fpclex.org.
Saturday, October 22
FPC Side Parking Lot
Share candy (rather than bread) and fun at our fall festival, meant for kids in elementary school and younger. Join us for snacks, games, and costumed fun. Questions? Email Chris Teesdale at dcym@fpclex.org.
Just Lunch
Saturday, October 28
FPC Kitchen & Assembly Room
Come share meals by preparing lunch for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and by sharing that lunch with them around tables. Click the button below to email Mike Skidmore, FPC Just Lunch Coordinator, to RSVP to help out.
Saturday, October 28
FPC Kitchen & Assembly Room
Come share meals by preparing lunch for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and by sharing that lunch with them around tables. Click the button below to email Mike Skidmore, FPC Just Lunch Coordinator, to RSVP to help out.
IN WORSHIP
Here's more about how we'll explore the practice of "Celebrate Communion" in worship this month.
October 1: Give Thanks
Saying grace around the family table reminds us to thank God for all things, in all things. Giving thanks around the communion table allows the faith community to celebrate the abundant gifts of God.
October 8: Share Meals
The sharing of bread is a mark of the Christian community; the very practice of communion helps define who we are. We are people of the Book, people of the Word, people who have heard the story of Jesus and said yes to him. And we are people of the Bread, a community bound together by both a shared story and a shared meal.
October 15: Be Fed
In ways we cannot fully understand, God feeds us; Jesus nourishes us. To be fed is more than eating tangible food, though food is part of it. Our souls are nurtured.
October 22: Feed Others
At the table, we are fed, both physically and spiritually, and strengthened to go into the world, proclaiming Christ’s presence and God’s love, forgiveness, grace, and hope, using words if necessary.
October 29: Break Bread Together
When has your experience of sharing a meal revealed something that changed your life or affected the way you saw things? Members of the congregation share their stories.
October 1: Give Thanks
Saying grace around the family table reminds us to thank God for all things, in all things. Giving thanks around the communion table allows the faith community to celebrate the abundant gifts of God.
October 8: Share Meals
The sharing of bread is a mark of the Christian community; the very practice of communion helps define who we are. We are people of the Book, people of the Word, people who have heard the story of Jesus and said yes to him. And we are people of the Bread, a community bound together by both a shared story and a shared meal.
October 15: Be Fed
In ways we cannot fully understand, God feeds us; Jesus nourishes us. To be fed is more than eating tangible food, though food is part of it. Our souls are nurtured.
October 22: Feed Others
At the table, we are fed, both physically and spiritually, and strengthened to go into the world, proclaiming Christ’s presence and God’s love, forgiveness, grace, and hope, using words if necessary.
October 29: Break Bread Together
When has your experience of sharing a meal revealed something that changed your life or affected the way you saw things? Members of the congregation share their stories.
ADULT FORUM
You can participate in the Adult Forum class in-person or on Zoom. More details are here.
Holy Communion: Remembering Forward
“Communion” draws the assembled congregation to participation in a short drama meant to preview where the whole cosmos is headed. The drama moves from the past into the present and serves as a down payment on a transformed future. In words and actions, we are given a tiny taste of a universal healing that is bigger, grander than we have imagined, as though projected in full color on a big screen.
Ron Byars served several pastorates before retiring from the faculty of Union Presbyterian Seminary as Professor of Preaching and Worship.
Holy Communion: Remembering Forward
“Communion” draws the assembled congregation to participation in a short drama meant to preview where the whole cosmos is headed. The drama moves from the past into the present and serves as a down payment on a transformed future. In words and actions, we are given a tiny taste of a universal healing that is bigger, grander than we have imagined, as though projected in full color on a big screen.
Ron Byars served several pastorates before retiring from the faculty of Union Presbyterian Seminary as Professor of Preaching and Worship.
VIDEOS
Use these videos from our "Follow Me" curriculum resources to spur your own thought, or as discussion starters in your household, small group, and beyond.
Week 1: Give Thanks
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Week 2: Share Meals
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Week 3: Be Fed
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Week 4: Feed Others
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Further video resources on Celebrate Communion:
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These videos are meant especially for kids and/or their parents.
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BoOKS & OTHER RESOURCES
- "All Things Communion and Kids" by Meredith Miller
- Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essentual Prayers by Anne Lamotte
- PCUSA Book of Order: Directory for Worship sections W-3.0401, W-3.0409, W-3.0412, W-3.0413, and W-3.0414
Children's book recommendations
- Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes
- Chez Bob by Bob Shea
- Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth
- We Gather at God's Table by Anna V. Ostenso Moore
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
Thank You Cards
Some of God’s gifts come to us through other people. One way that we can give thanks is by giving thank you cards to those who share God’s gifts with us. Wonder about who those people might be, commenting that sometimes we overlook them. Then think particularly about those who help bring food to the family table. Brainstorm all who play roles in providing a family meal. Include the farmers, truck drivers, delivery persons, store clerks, cooks, and those who earn money to purchase food. Identify who you want to thank and why. Together, create and send thank you cards to two or three of those people, remembering that every meal at our own table is an extension of the eucharistic meal.
Vizualizing a Meal with Jesus
Jesus appeared to the disciples and even cooked breakfast for them after he was raised from the dead. Even now, the risen Jesus is with us and feeds us bread and wine (or juice), forgiveness, grace, and love. Even though we cannot see Jesus like those disciples did, we can imagine him spending time with us through guided meditation. Engage in a guided meditation using the following directions:
Stone Soup
This is a story about what happens when we believe we can help other people, even if we do not have very much. Read aloud Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth or watch a video of the book being read. After the story, discuss together:
Some of God’s gifts come to us through other people. One way that we can give thanks is by giving thank you cards to those who share God’s gifts with us. Wonder about who those people might be, commenting that sometimes we overlook them. Then think particularly about those who help bring food to the family table. Brainstorm all who play roles in providing a family meal. Include the farmers, truck drivers, delivery persons, store clerks, cooks, and those who earn money to purchase food. Identify who you want to thank and why. Together, create and send thank you cards to two or three of those people, remembering that every meal at our own table is an extension of the eucharistic meal.
Vizualizing a Meal with Jesus
Jesus appeared to the disciples and even cooked breakfast for them after he was raised from the dead. Even now, the risen Jesus is with us and feeds us bread and wine (or juice), forgiveness, grace, and love. Even though we cannot see Jesus like those disciples did, we can imagine him spending time with us through guided meditation. Engage in a guided meditation using the following directions:
- Stand up, close your eyes, and stretch your hands to the sky. Stretch your whole body as though a thread that goes down your back is being pulled toward the sky.
- Put your hands down. Relax your body and roll your shoulders in circles, keeping your arms and hands down at your sides.
- Sit down on a chair, keeping your back straight and both feet on the floor. Relax your shoulders.
- Take a deep breath in and hold it while I count to three and then breathe out. Let’s do that again, but this time put your hands on your stomach and feel the rise and fall of your breath. Again. Now breathe normally and pay attention to the in and out of your breath, the up and down of your stomach.
- Lay your hands on your lap. Keep them open.
- Imagine that you hear Jesus say, “Come, eat with me.” The two of you sit down and enjoy some food together. I’ll give you a moment to spend some time with Jesus, eating together and perhaps talking together. (Be quiet for at least 30 seconds.)
- When you are ready, imagine that you are saying goodbye to Jesus in whatever way you want, and open your eyes.
Stone Soup
This is a story about what happens when we believe we can help other people, even if we do not have very much. Read aloud Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth or watch a video of the book being read. After the story, discuss together:
- What was the question that Hoc, the youngest monk, asked Soo? (What makes one happy?)
- Did people give a lot of food or a little?
- What difference did giving even a little make?
- What did the people do after they ate together?
- How do you think spending time together made the people feel?
- How did the people feel by the end of the story?
- What do you think Jesus would think of this story? Why?
ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH
Arrange a Progressive Dinner
Progressive dinners involve having each course of a meal at another person's home. You might have appetizers at your home, for example, and then move to another friend's home for the main course. Plan a progressive dinner with other family members and/or friends. Be sure to take time at each home not just to eat, but to enjoy time and conversation together.
Allegory of the Long Spoon
Place snacks in a bowl. Give each person participating a long wooden spoon (or two) and gather around the snack bowl. Challenge yourselves to see how much of the snack you can eat by using the long spoon. While eating, you cannot bend elbows or wrists. You have to imagine the wooden spoon is an extension of your arm without bending the spoon back toward your mouth. After trying for a few minutes to eat the snack, acknowledge how difficult the task is. Watch “The ‘allegory of the long spoons’”. Now again to eat the snacks. While you eat, discuss what this video teaches about what it means to feed others.
Table Graces
As a family or with friends, name and say table graces you have heard or prayed. Identify the common elements included in the table graces. Work together to create a table grace that is unique to your family and/or friend group. You might build your table grace on the pattern or rhythm of one you already know. You might change the words to a common childhood song, jingle, or nursery rhyme. Write down your unique grace and use it every time you share a meal with this group this month.
Progressive dinners involve having each course of a meal at another person's home. You might have appetizers at your home, for example, and then move to another friend's home for the main course. Plan a progressive dinner with other family members and/or friends. Be sure to take time at each home not just to eat, but to enjoy time and conversation together.
Allegory of the Long Spoon
Place snacks in a bowl. Give each person participating a long wooden spoon (or two) and gather around the snack bowl. Challenge yourselves to see how much of the snack you can eat by using the long spoon. While eating, you cannot bend elbows or wrists. You have to imagine the wooden spoon is an extension of your arm without bending the spoon back toward your mouth. After trying for a few minutes to eat the snack, acknowledge how difficult the task is. Watch “The ‘allegory of the long spoons’”. Now again to eat the snacks. While you eat, discuss what this video teaches about what it means to feed others.
Table Graces
As a family or with friends, name and say table graces you have heard or prayed. Identify the common elements included in the table graces. Work together to create a table grace that is unique to your family and/or friend group. You might build your table grace on the pattern or rhythm of one you already know. You might change the words to a common childhood song, jingle, or nursery rhyme. Write down your unique grace and use it every time you share a meal with this group this month.