Keeping the Feast

The third section observed in the Wesleyan form of worship is the Thanksgiving and Communion which follow the Offering in the Proclamation and Response. If the Thanksgiving is not followed by Communion, then the service concludes with the Sending Forth. Wesley, however, recommended frequent celebration of the Eucharist. The four actions of Holy Communion are based on those of our Lord during His Last Supper with His disciples. In the first action, the celebrant--in the United Methodist practice, an elder—takes the bread and the cup. If these items, the elements, are not already on the Communion Table, they can be brought to the table during the Offering. The table itself is vested in the colors of the liturgical season, with a white cloth (“fair linen”) covering the table parament. The bread (the corpus) is covered with a lid or a cloth (a pall) and the wine is covered with a lid or cloth (a veil) or a cloth-covered card (purificator). In congregations where the elements are covered by lids, a cloth may cover the entire table. The bread itself may be leavened or unleavened and the fruit of the grape either fermented or unfermented. The tradition since the late nineteenth century has been to use unfermented juice which expresses pastoral concern for recovering alcholics, enables the participation of children and youth, and supports the United Methodist Church's witness of abstinence. The pastoral readings and the congregational responses of Great Thanksgiving celebrate God's mighty acts of salvation and the institution of the Eucharist, the current work of the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity.

Bridging the first and second pair of actions in Holy Communion is the Lord's Prayer. The celebrant follows with the Breaking of the Bread in which a single loaf, or the loaf from which the congregation's portions were cut, is broken in view of the congregation. The chalice, if used, is lifted in view of the congregation either in silence or with words which acknowledge each of the elements as a sharing of the body and blood of the Christ. The congregation is then invited to commune at the table.

The final act in Holy Communion is the giving of the Bread and Cup. Laypersons as well as other clergy may assist the celebrating elder in the distribution of the elements to all who desire to lead a Christian life, along with their children. The tradition of the United Methodist Church is to serve anyone who wishes to be served. Each person is served individually while exchanging words which express the significance of the elements. The congregation may sing hymns during this time.

After all have been served, the table is set to rights. A prayer or hymn of thanksgiving is offered. Remnants from the table may be reserved for those members of the community of faith who are not able to attend. What remains after that reservation should be dealt with reverentially--consumed by the pastor or other persons or returned to the earth. (2 Samuel 23:16)

Great care is often taken in the preparation and celebration of Holy Communion which is well-deserved since it is one of the two sacraments recognized by the United Methodist Church. Not to be forgotten, however, is the origin of the sacrament. When his time of earthly ministry was almost done and the cross loomed near, Jesus the Christ gathered together those who were closest to him and shared a meal. It was a time rich in both fellowship (koinonia) and in symbolism. He modeled how he expected his followers to continue His ministry by first serving their earthly needs—by feeding them and cleansing their feet. After their earthly needs were fulfilled, He shared with them the symbols of the New Covenant with the Father: His body broken for us, His blood shed as a covering for our sins. Our present-day Holy Communion is more than just a re-enactment of a bellwether moment in our sacred history; it is Communion with the Paschal Lamb whose sacrifice sealed our New Covenant with the Father. Thanks be to God!

Resources:
Benedict, Daniel T, Jr. Patterned by Grace. 2007. Upper Room Books: Nashville, TN.
Hickman, Hoyt. United Methodist Worship. 1991. Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN.
The United Methodist Book of Worship. 1992. The United Methodist Publishing House: Nashville, TN.
United Methodist Calendar & Workbook 2009. 2008. Abingdon Press: Nashville, TN.
Smith, N. Y. The Sacristy: A Community for Wesleyan Sacristans, , found September 21, 2009, updated September, 2009.