RECEIVING COMMUNION
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 362
The Sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist) has been precious and life-giving to Christians for 2,000 years. Since practices vary from one church to another, we hope these guidelines help you feel more at home. Please remember that there is no “right” way to receive. The only thing that matters is that God welcomes you and wants to feed and care for you. God is always with you, and Communion can be a way in which we are awakened more completely to this amazing reality. With that in mind, here’s how you will see most people receiving Communion here:
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We encourage you to collect yourself and pray for an open heart, anticipating that God will use this sacrament to feed or care for you in ways that you need.
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At the appropriate time, an usher will indicate that the people in your row should come forward. Everyone comes to the communion rail on the left or right depending on which side of the church you are seated. Once you have arrived at the rail, you will hold out your hands, with one hand supporting the other.
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The communion wafer will be placed in your hands with words such as “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven.” The usual response is, “Amen.” Having received the bread, you may consume it immediately. ​
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The cup of wine will then be presented to you, and you may guide the cup to your lips by gripping its base. Again, the usual response upon receiving the wine is to say, “Amen.”
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Some people might choose to dip the wafer in the wine, instead of drinking. This is called intinction. If you choose to do that, hold the communion wafer between your thumb and first finger so that the Chalice bearer can see that you wish to dip the wafer. Be careful not to let your fingers touch the wine; simply touch the tip of the bread to the surface of the wine.
If for any reason you choose not to receive Communion, you are still welcome to come forward to receive a blessing. In that case, you would cross your arms over your chest as the minister approaches you, signifying that you are there to receive a blessing only.
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If you are unable to come to the communion rail, please let an usher know, and the priest will bring communion to you.
COMMUNION FOR SICK AND SHUT-INS
Being together in community is an important part of belonging to a faith community. If you are unable to attend services, we want to bring them to you. We stream or service each week, sermons are posted to the website as soon as they have been downloaded, we mail weekly bulletins to those who request them, and priests or Lay Eucharistic Visitors can bring communion to your residence. Please complete this form to request bulletins or visits.