What do Methodists believe about Communion? Here’s what you need to know.
At Brecksville United Methodist Church, we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion every week at the 8:30 worship service and on the first Sunday of the month at our 10:30 service.
We celebrate an open table, meaning that all are welcome to receive the sacrament. There are no barriers to community. You do not need to go through any special rites of passage or reach a certain age. Our Communion elements are gluten free, alcohol free, and free of common allergens, meaning more people can partake.
Learn more about Communion in the United Methodist Church:
- United Methodist Beliefs: Open Table
- What do I need to know about Communion in the UMC?
- Communion: The Meal Which Makes Us One
How to celebrate Holy Communion online
Holy Communion is designed to be celebrated at an open table in the presence of the gathered assembly of a local congregation. When we are not able to physically come to the table together in worship, we can experience Communion together online.
What follows is a simple guide (adapted from Sugar Hill UMC in Sugar Hill, Georgia) with some ideas about how you can create sacred space for the sacrament of Holy Communion in your own home.
What type of elements are acceptable?
Use bread and juice. The type of bread doesn’t matter (i.e. sandwich bread, wheat bread, buns, pita, flatbread, etc.). If you don’t have bread, use a cracker. This is a holy meal and a holy moment – choose elements that can have a sacred feel for you.
How should we set up Holy Communion?
Consider the following ideas to help create a worshipful space:
- Find a plate and cup/glass in your home that is not used frequently. Perhaps it’s a piece of fine china or glass or a dish used only during the holidays. This allows the bread and cup to be “set apart” for this sacred purpose, and not something regular or ordinary.
- Before the service starts, place your bread or cracker on the plate and cover it with a napkin. Second, pour the juice into your cup. Cover the juice with a napkin.
- Once you have prepared your Communion elements place them in a special location. Clear away distractions. Perhaps a mantle or the center of your dining or kitchen table. Allow them to be the centerpiece rather than another item on an already crowded surface.
How do we administer and receive the elements?
Once Pastor Heidi (or another ordained elder), has led us through the liturgy, she will pray a prayer of consecration – often saying, “Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and juice. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood,” and you will share the elements with your family. If you are alone, remember that wherever you are worshiping God, you are on holy ground — and that there are others with you in their own virtual spaces. You are also experiencing Communion with your church family in Brecksville.
As Communion proceeds, take time to pray for one another, for friends and family, and concerns and situations around the world. Think about those whom you ordinarily worship with and lift them up in prayer. In short, transform this time as you receive Holy Communion and the brief moments afterwards into an opportunity for intercession on behalf of others.
What do we say as we share the elements?
Break the bread into pieces and say to one another, “The body of Christ, given for you.” Once everyone in your family has a piece of bread, you can then share the cup and say to one another, “The blood of Christ, given for you.” Each member of your family should take turns dipping the bread into the cup, and then everyone can receive the elements together.
Afterwards, the presiding elder for the online service will pray a prayer of thanksgiving and then transition into the next portion of the service.
What if I don’t have those elements available or don’t want to participate?
Use this time for prayer. We will pray a blessing over those not taking part in communion.
What do we do with leftovers?
These are consecrated elements. Dispose of them in a sacred fashion. Since the elements came from the ground (wheat, grapes, etc.) they should go back into the ground. Thus, break the bread into small pieces and scatter them outside and pour the juice onto the ground.
Keep in mind
Holy Communion is a sacred moment and God has invited you to the Table.