Communion / Lord's Supper

When Communion or the Lord's Supper is taken separately from a typical worship service, the following format is suggested:

I. The gathering

      A.Vocal, choral, or instrumental music signals the people to assemble for worship.

      B.Songs of praise.

    II. The proclamation and response to the Word of God

      A.Readings from the Gospel (e.g., John 3:16; 6:35; 6:51, 55-56; 15:4-5a, 8-9).

      B.Songs, talks, dance, dramatic enactments, instrumental music, other art forms, and silence may be used.

    III. Prayer of confession, forgiveness and intercession – Recognition that we can come into the presence of God only through Jesus Christ and that through him we have forgiveness of all our sins. Prayer for God's mercy upon the church and the world.

IV. Congregational recitation (optional)

    (e.g., The Lord's Prayer, the Nicene Creed, the Apostles' Creed, or the Athanasian Creed).

V. Preparation of the table

      A.Give instructions for receiving the bread and wine. The people may come to the Table of the Lord, or may pass the elements to the congregation, or a combination may be used.

    B.Scripture reading (e.g., 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

    VI. Prayer of thanksgiving and blessing upon the bread and wine

VII. Come to the table

    Participants come to the Table or receive elements at their seats.

    Music may be played during this time.

VIII. Hymn of thanksgiving and joy

IX. Benediction and sending forth

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