Communion
Come to the Table of Jesus
Sacrament of Communion
Worship Setting: The communion table begins empty. Have a loaf of
bread on a plate, a pitcher of grape juice, and a candle ready to be
carried to the table, along with the prepared emblems during the
Introit.
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1)Introit
2)*Invocation
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*Invocation Hymn: "O Lord, Grace Our Communion"
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HS 1 |
3)Reading of the Scriptures
Luke 22:7-20
John 6:35-40
John 8:12
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Hymn of Repentance: "The Love of God"
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HS 107 |
4)Silent Prayers of Confession
5)Prayer of Repentance
6)Communion Message
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Hymn of Preparation: "For Bread Before Us Broken"
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HS 340 |
The Lord’s Supper
Blessing and Serving of the Bread
7)Ministry
of Music
Blessing and Serving of the Wine
Ministry of
Music
8)Testimony of God’s Forgiving Love
Disciples’ Generous Response
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Oblation scripture: Isaiah 61:1-2a |
Reflection:
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On the first Sunday of the
month we emphasize the needs in our world and encourage the generous
donation of oblation funds. This is one way we can bring the good
news to those in need. We are also encouraged by the Isaiah
scripture to look beyond the physical needs to help the oppressed,
brokenhearted, and captives. May we be generous with all that we
are. |
Blessing and Offering of Oblation/Mission Tithes
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*Benediction Hymn: "Called by Christ to Love Each Other"
*Prayer of Blessing
9)*Sending Forth and Recessional
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SP 36 |
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*All who are able may stand.
Our songbooks:
HS = Hymns of the Saints, large burgundy book
SP = Sing for Peace, small burgundy book
NS = Sing a New Song, small gold book
R-x = By Request: Songs for the Community of Christ, small book with Temple
spire
"Come to the Table of Jesus" – Annotations
- The music suggested for this Introit is a solo voice,
singing (perhaps a cappella) a text of invitation to the table. Some
suggestions include: "Be Present at Our Table, Lord," HS
336; "Come, Risen Lord," HS 344; "Gather Your
Children," SP 3; "Meet Me in a Holy Place," NS
36; "Face to Face," NS 9.
During the Introit carry lighted candle, then the loaf of bread on a plate
from the back to the front of the sanctuary. Have others follow carrying the
plates of broken bread. Next, carry the pitcher of grape juice followed by
the trays. Place the candle, loaf of bread and pitcher of juice in the
center of the communion table. Place the plates and trays around these
items. This is intended to help the congregation experience gathering around
the table. The candle represents the light and life of Jesus.
- After the Introit, ask the congregation to stand for the
Invocation.
- Ask three people to read the scriptures. Use a variety of
ages.
- Invite the congregation to spend 1-2 minutes in silent
prayers of confession. This may be an uncomfortable amount of time for some,
but the officiates on the rostrum can set an example for the congregation.
- Ask a representative of the congregation to voice a public
prayer of confession and repentance.
- Focus the message on the experience of Jesus with the
disciples around the table. What does it mean to be invited to this table of
Jesus? How can our lives be changed?
- Ask the minister of music to sing or play songs that
reflect God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness while the emblems are served.
Some suggestions include: "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need," HS
125; "Forgive Our Sins as We Forgive," HS 108; "Gather Your
Children," SP 3; "Hosea," NS 15.
- Ask someone to share a testimony of how the sacrament of
the Lord’s Supper has changed them and made life different.
- Have the persons who carried the candle, loaf of bread,
and pitcher of juice carry these items out of the sanctuary. Invite the
congregation to follow them out, symbolizing carrying the light of Jesus out
into the world and bringing food to those who are hungry.
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