SERVING THE LORD'S SUPPER
"...The
Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given
thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in
remembrance of me.' In the same way,
after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my
blood; do this, whenever you drink, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink
this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Steps
in Serving Communion
1. Open
by sharing about God's love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, commitment,
tenderheartedness, faithfulness, etc., out of your personal journey (connect
with the story of your people in the room).
2. Read the passage:
"...The Lord Jesus, on the night he was
betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This
is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'"
3. Pray
and pass the bread around the circle (could be time for quiet reflection,
singing a simple praise song, or listening to a worship tape).
4. When
everyone has been served, remind them that this represents Jesus' broken body
on their behalf. Simply state,
"Jesus said, 'Do this in remembrance of me.' Let us eat together," and eat the bread
as a group.
5. Then read the rest of the passage:
"...In
the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new
covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of
me.'"
6. Pray
and serve the cup, either by passing a small tray, serving them individually,
or by having them pick up a cup from the table.
7. When
everyone has been served, remind them that the juice represents Christ's blood
shed for them, then simply state, "Take and drink in remembrance of
Him. Let us drink together."
8. Finish
by singing a simple song, listening to a praise song, or having a time of
prayer in thanks to God. Several Practical Tips in Serving Communion
Several
Practical Tips in Serving Communion
1. Prepare the elements simply, sacredly, and yet remember,
symbolically.
2. Be sensitive to timing in your meeting.
3. Break
up pieces of cracker or soft bread on a small plate or tray. Don't use large servings of bread or grape
juice. We ask that you only use grape
juice, not wine, so you will not cause a brother or sister to struggle.
4. Have
all of the elements prepared beforehand, and just bring them into the room or
to the table when you are ready.
Communion
verses: Matthew
26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20; I Cor 10:16-21, 11:17-34