Comments on: The Evangelical Liturgy 17: The Lord’s Supper

By: Cole Matson

Cole Matson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:37:12 +0000

Thanks for this series. Yours is definitely one of my favorite blogs, because I know I’ll always find thoughtful and plain-spoken analysis of how the Church can better live out its faith. (And I always learn more about other traditions.)

I was raised Prebyterian, with the wheat bread chicklets and shots of grape juice monthly. (I remember twice in my youth being given white grape juice – which I dubbed the “plasma of Christ.”) It was nice to shake things up on special occasions by walking up to share one loaf and one cup by intinction. It made us think more deeply about the meaning of the Sacrament.

By: SL

SL — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:32:48 +0000

I just have one comment regarding the use of real wine –
My church has a LOT of recovering alcoholics/substance abusers attending. And while, granted, a sip of wine isn’t going to intoxicate anyone, I’ve come to understand that recovering alcoholics have to avoid the stuff completely. Any thoughts on this?

By: George C

George C — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:30:52 +0000

Christ’s example was a yearly Passover Meal with very specific elements.

I don’t think we should follow that example, but it seems odd to me to say we need to follow one part without folowing all parts.

The only implication given by the Apostles example is that the frequency increased. There is no reason to assume that any other aspect did.

The only outright commands given are limited to a command that we should do it at all and how we treat on another while doing it.

By: George C

George C — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:25:28 +0000

Why would they not be drinking wine harvested at another time?

I mean besides being Fundementalist Baptist.

By: Timothy

Timothy — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:21:05 +0000

>”…particularly in mega churches where the logistics for large congregations are wieldy.”

Yet Catholics manage to distribute communion to 100,000 plus crowds attending a Papal Mass in 10-15 minutes. Perhaps someone should attend and take notes.

By: James

James — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:18:03 +0000

Oops. Sorry, about the odd wording. I forgot to adapt the beginning of the sentence to an edit at the end, and then hit “submit” too soon. It should read: “When a church decides not to have an offering…”

By: James

James — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:15:47 +0000

When a church that doesn’t have an offering taken up every week “to make it more special”, let me know.

Jus’ sayin’.

By: Mark Byron

Mark Byron — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:02:23 +0000

I recall seeing those at the Columbus Vineyard; I called them a Communion Lunchable at the time. You peel off the top and find the wafer, then peel off another piece of plastic and get to the wine/juice.

However, as a megachurch who did communion every week, it was their way to get close to Usain Bolt’s communion record :-; you were supposed to pick your CL up on the way in, which we didn’t know to do as a visitor.

By: brian k

brian k — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:40:05 +0000

A foot-washin’ Baptist– How Cool! how many times do you wash feet??? My church has foot washing every Maundy Thrusday & then another undefined time each year. It has always been a meaningful experience to me. I love seeing newly baptized believers being lead thru their first foot washing, usually one of the only times you see older members worshiping with youth in a meaningful way. Respect the Feet!!!

By: Bror Erickson

Bror Erickson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:26:26 +0000

“In my tradition, baptized Christians are invited to the Lordâ€™s table. Closed communion has much to commend it, but I do not believe it can be easily done without bringing explanations into the worship service- in print or in person- to orient the congregation to the reasons all Christians are not welcome at the table.”
Michael,
It warms my heart to hear you say this, as about a year ago we had it out over this issue and I thought I might get kicked off the forum altogether. You are correct also that it should not be done without explanation. Yet I believe this explanation ought to be done in the manner of Luther’s exhortation to communion. Ironically, I have written a fairly extensive explanation of our practice, that is meant also to reorient members of my congregation as to what they are doing and why. (I posted this on my blog not too long ago). I only read it when there are visitors, a couple times a month. But I have some in my congregation who would rather I never read it! I suppose though, that they would also rather I not practice closed communion. My conscience is bound though.