Communion Liturgy

Introduction

[Stand behind the communion table. Slides will be visible on the back wall for reference]

[SLIDE 1] - Title

SAY: Now, we will join together around the table of God. The Sacrament of Communion represents and reminds us of all we believe about God’s love toward us and our response to him. We gather in remembrance of what God has done and in pursuit of spiritual nourishment from that same God who reigns now and forevermore. These elements are simple bread and juice, but they represent an unfolding reality that is being created on earth as it is in heaven.

SAY: Among us Free Methodists, the table of God is open to all who desire to draw closer; to all who seek nourishment, healing, help, and comfort. We invite you to come to this table humble and repentant; with full confidence in the compassionate, gracious, patient, loyal, and steadfast love of God.

The Presentation of the Gifts

SAY: God is our provider, nourisher, and creator. All good things were created and given to us by God. We present these gifts as a reminder of how much God loves us and as an assurance of the future God has for us.

SAY: Please stand as we celebrate the entrance of the gifts of God into our worship!

Worship team will lead in the singing of the doxology as the Kids Process with the elements to the stage. Receive each element (Bread, Juice, Bible, Offering) individually and place it on the communion table. Once all elements are on the table, the band will fade the music out.

SAY: Let’s join together in Prayer.

PRAY: Generous God, creator, redeemer, sustainer, at your table we present these gifts that come from you, the money you have entrusted to us, your body broken for us, and your blood poured out for our salvation. Use these gifts in and through us, in the service of your world to the glory of your name. Amen.

The General Confession

[This is a call and response confession. Words will be on the slides]

[SLIDE 2] - Confession Title

SAY: The bread and the cup remind us of our need for God’s rescue. Let's join in a prayer of confession, repenting of the ways we have neglected to trust our creator. After each confession we will together say “Lord have Mercy.”

[SLIDE 3] - Confession 1

Leader: O God, Because of your great compassion, forgive us. Free us from the guilt and shame that weigh us down, from the sin that controls us.

All: Lord have mercy.

[SLIDE 4] - Confession 2

Leader: We are well aware of the words we speak that wound, the unloving thoughts and actions that hurt others and ourselves. We know that these things distance us from you, and keep us from recognizing your life in us.

All: Lord have mercy.

[SLIDE 5] - Confession 3

Leader: You desire complete honesty from us. We know that nothing can be hidden from you. And so we lay open our hearts to you now—we lay before you those things for which we need your forgiveness, and those things from which we long to be set free.

All: Lord have mercy.

The Affirmation of Faith

[SLIDE 6] - Affirmation Title

SAY: Those who share this table seek the God revealed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news revealed in the holy scriptures and by the witness of the united Christian Church across culture, history, and all walls that seek to divide us. That God is spoken of in the Apostle’s creed that we confess now.

[SLIDE 7] - Creed 1

ALL: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell.

[SLIDE 8] - Creed 2

ALL: The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

[SLIDE 9] - Creed 3

ALL: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer of Consecration

[SLIDE 10] - Consecration of the Elements

SAY: Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered in a spirit of unity, and on these gifts of bread and wine. 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 grace. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Consecration of the Elements

[Lift the loaf with two hands, presenting it to the congregation]

SAY: On the night of His betrayal, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it

[Break the loaf in two]

SAY: and gave it to His disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

[Set down the loaf then Lift the cup with two hands, presenting it to the congregation]

SAY: In like manner, after supper, He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink of this, all of you, for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins; do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”

[Set down the cup]

Distribution

[SLIDE 11] - Directions

[Invite servers to come forward to receive the elements and go to their assigned locations. The band will play ambient background music as you do so. Once everyone is in their place, address the congregation.]

SAY: I invite you to come forward one row at a time, starting in the front, following the directions on the screen. If you are unable to walk up, please raise your hand and an usher will bring the elements to you. Once you’ve gathered your elements, please return to your seat so that we can eat and drink together. If you are joining us online, please take this time to light a candle and gather your own elements.

[Proceed with distribution. The Band will lead us in song as we distribute. You will remain on stage for the servers to return their trays to you when their line is complete. Offer them their elements as they hand them to you.]

[Once all the trays are returned and everyone has recieved their elements, stand behind the table and address the congregation]

[SLIDE 12]

[Lift the bread]

SAY: The body of Christ, broken for you

[Eat. Then, lift the cup]

SAY: The blood of Christ poured out for you

[Drink. Then, offer an extemporaneous prayer]

The band will take it from here.