This last installment of Live in Concert will be a time and teaching of communion.
We are very excited for many reasons about what we’ll cover. For one, it’s always a great thing to celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Christ with other Christ followers through Communion. That alone gives us a reason to look forward to Sunday. But there’s more.
This Sunday will serve as something of a launch point for many of our Life Groups to begin taking communion together in the context of their Life Group meetings. Some groups already do occasionally, others are unsure about it, while for others the idea may have never occurred to them. This Sunday, we will teach on some of the history of this sacred memorial, as well as some helpful insights from 1 Corinthians 11- all of which are meant to heighten the value we place on Communion, while at the same time taking it beyond the limitations and even misunderstanding many of us attach to it.
So, for your group this next meeting, you may want to celebrate Communion together as you enjoy a meal. If after the message this Sunday, you choose to do so, you may still have a few questions about the actual doing. The following is meant to be helpful, but not necessarily exhaustive or in any particular order.
Remember Jesus and His resurrection.
As you eat the bread and drink the cup together, share stories about what God is doing in your lives together, as well as individually. Celebrate the story of Christ’s resurrection, and then, as a group, tell the story of resurrection still playing itself out in your families, your relationships, your work, your play, your awe, your prayer, and your wonder. Perhaps a time of confession between members of the group will take place. Perhaps a time of encouragement one or more particular members.
Be aware of God’s immediate presence.
We all know that Communion isn’t a snack to be enjoyed absent-mindedly. But even knowing that, we can still forget that Communion isn’t the ends, but the means. In the midst of shared stories, prayer- keep in mind that God’s Spirit is whispering. This sacred memorial is a representation of Christ’s actual presence among His people…don’t miss that.
Meditate.
As part of the time should be spent enjoying each other and what God is up to in your group, part of the time should be used to reflect on God, as well as upon our own lives in light of Him. Let God bring to mind areas that He wants to resuscitate, or regain authority over. Let Him also call to mind people that you have failed to present the humble selfless Christ to. If there are people in our lives that we have put beneath us, we’re never going to understand the weight and the power of our Creator’s spilled, innocent blood given to us.
Be sensitive
Some people in your group might not be Christians. You may decide, in light of that, that the group isn’t ready for Communion. You may also decide to go ahead and celebrate it together, with him or her not participating in this important part of the meal. But, the question remains as to whether it’s “okay” for unbelievers to take the elements, if they were to decide to. Well, if they don’t believe, then there isn’t much for them to celebrate. But, if they don’t believe and are taking steps on their journey and want to participate- be assured that God is able to use this. God is not offended by them taking a step into the tradition as well as toward the group. So, in the same way we invite those who do not yet confess faith in Christ to sing to God on Sunday morning if they want, to give money if they want, to pray if they want, to serve with us if they want- we can be confident that God will also speak to them through the sacred memorial of Communion as well.
How to
You can pick up Matzo crackers at any Grocery Store, and any grape juice or wine will work well. Don’t feel like the bread has to be the little miniature version we often use when we’re all together. And the juice/wine can be enough to drink- not the plastic thimbles typically seen on Sunday morning. There is nothing intrinsically sacred about having tiny portions- that’s just how it works best for hundreds of people gathered on a morning. Choose grape juice versus wine with wisdom. Both are fine- but wine used in groups where people currently have or have had struggles with alcoholism will instantly create an environment that’s not best, and is potentially harmful. If you are not certain about the pasts of your members, there is nothing lost by choosing juice, so wisdom would say that route is best where absolute certainty is lacking.
You can put the crackers and juice/wine out on a table, or you can pass it. You can make sure everyone has the elements and then pray, or you can just start talking about what God is doing as you eat together (remember, the bread and the cup are eaten typically in the context of a meal, Biblically speaking…so you should feel free to already have the atmosphere set for dining.)
Don’t feel as though there are special words to be said, or a special order to be followed in order for the elements to receive their blessing. The blessing comes in the hearts of your group uniting to celebrate a risen Christ and redeemed souls. Celebrate that well.
You may also want to decide ahead of time what your frequency will be. This isn’t meant to suggest that our groups will now do this weekly. It may be monthly, quarterly or some other rhythm- just be intentional and communicate it clearly.
Further reading
- Colossians 3:16-17
- 1 Corinthians 11:17-30
- Galatians 5:22-6:5
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