For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
Communion is a sacred part of worship. Jesus died for us. He shed his blood for us. For me, a sinner. During Lent 2010, I experienced communion in a new light. During our Lenten services that year, we experienced God through our senses: taste, smell, sight, hearing and touch.
At the service when we experienced God with taste, we served communion to the person behind us.
When my family lines up for communion on Sundays, my son, Aaron, goes first; then me next and my husband, John.
At this taste service, Aaron did not want to go first (he was nine), so I did. The opportunity to serve my son was stirring; however, watching him serve his daddy was overwhelming and emotional for me. At synod council in March that same year, we served the person next to us, too.
[bctt tweet=”It’s a moving experience to serve communion to another person. ” username=”womenoftheelca”]
It’s a moving experience to serve communion to another person. The same is true at Women of the ELCA events when I am a communion server. We make eye contact when I say, “Jesus’ blood shed for you.” Some respond “Amen.” Some “thank you.” It is so emotional and a privilege to share the experience with you.
Being a communion server is one of the roles many of us take a part of to help worship flow smoothly. It’s much more than a task.
To serve someone communion is a sacred act of sharing Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Communion is a time to reflect and remember that Jesus died for us, every one of us. Jesus loves us unconditionally; he forgives us no questions asked.
Has there even been a time when communion especially your touched your heart?
Gwen Edwards is serving a second term on the Women of the ELCA executive board and lives in Bellevue, Nebraska. She attends Lord of Love Lutheran Church in Omaha. If you are interested in volunteering to serve communion at the triennial gathering, complete this form.
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Photo of communion being served at the Ninth Triennial Gathering
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