At Faith Church, we celebrate Holy Communion at weekly worship gatherings on the first Sunday of the month, and at other special services during the year.
who can participate?
We believe that Jesus invites anyone and everyone who loves him, wants to live a changed life with him, and seeks to become like him to participate in this special, though simple, "meal" of bread and juice.
You do not have to be a member at Faith Church, or any particular age to participate.
what do I need?
You will be served gluten-free bread and grape juice (often called the "elements") during holy communion. At our 8:15am service, the elements are served by the passing of trays through the pew, and at 10:45am service, all will be invited upfront through the centre isle to receive the elements served through intinction, the dipping of bread in juice. If you prefer prepackaged elements, they are available for you as well.
The pastor will guide you in prayers and reflection, and instruct you when to open, eat and drink the elements during the service. Sometimes, there is music during this part of the worship gathering; you are welcome to sing along or listen quietly.
what is communion?
The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion and the Eucharist are all names for this sacrament celebrated by United Methodists. Each of these names highlights an aspect of this act of worship.Holy Communion brings together our worship and our work in the world.
According to This Holy Mystery, The United Methodist Church's official document on communion, " 'The Lord's Supper' reminds us that Jesus Christ is the host and that we participate at Christ's invitation." Jesus invites us to take part in the special meal he ate with his disciples the night before his crucifixion, and other meals he shared in homes and on hillsides.
The term Holy Communion invites us to focus on the self-giving of the Holy God which makes the sacrament an occasion of grace, and on the holiness of our communion with God and one another," This Holy Mystery continues.
Finally, Eucharist, from the Greek word for thanksgiving, reminds us that the sacrament is thanksgiving to God for the gifts of creation and salvation.
I have questions...
Great! We encourage everyone to learn about this practice of our faith.
To talk to one of our pastors or staff members, click here for contact information or call the church office at 814.355.3358.
For further reading, check out these resources: