Communion- infusing our community with passion and purpose!
A little background…
The United Church of Canada recognizes two sacraments, baptism and communion. Sacraments are rituals or symbolic actions designed to help you feel closer to God and to the community.
Communion is based upon the Last Supper, a story from the New Testament Bible in which Jesus celebrates Passover with his disciples the night before he is arrested. He invites them to break bread and wine together in memory of his love for them. Since those early days of our faith, Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Eucharist, as it is sometimes called, has been a sacrament shared by all Christian denominations.
Do I have to be a Christian or a member of this church to share in communion at CBUC?
No. Everyone who wants to participate in this ancient feast of God’s love is welcome at our “open” table. Just as Jesus welcomed everyone, CBUC extends an invitation to all who want to take part in this family meal. And if you’d rather not participate, that’s ok too. Communion is offered, not required.
What do I have to do if I want to share communion?
Our ministers will provide clear instructions to everyone gathered about what is expected during this ritual. It’s not complicated, but it does vary. Sometimes the tone is celebratory and joyful; other times, it’s more thoughtful and serious. Always, we try to create a sense of “communion” that is meaningful and memorable.
Communion is generally offered in one of two ways:
a) by intincture. You will be invited to come forward to a station at the front of the Sanctuary. Two servers will be standing at the station with the symbolic bread and wine. You take a piece of bread (or a bit of rice cracker if you have wheat allergies) and dip it into the cup of wine, which is actually a cup of grape juice. We want this ritual to be as accessible as possible so grape juice is offered for communion rather than red wine. Then you eat and return to your seat. If you can’t come forward to take communion due to mobility issues, someone will serve you in your seat. At CBUC, we strive to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable during this ritual act of remembrance and unity.
b) in the rows using trays. In this method of communion, you remain seated and trays of bread and rice crackers are passed up and down the rows. After everyone has been served, the minister will instruct you when to consume the bread. The same routine is followed for the trays of grape juice. You take a small cup of juice and after everyone has been served, drink it when instructed to do so by the minister.
Does communion happen at every Sunday worship service?
No. At CBUC, communion is offered 8 times a year:
the first Sunday of every church season (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost)
Summer Communion (usually the second Sunday of August)
Worldwide Communion Sunday (the first Sunday in October)
Christmas Eve
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