I walked into this morning's service to find the Communion Table placed on the floor in the middle of the sanctuary floor and the congregation seated completely around it.  Seating us this way somehow made Communion just a bit more real, more like like actually taking the meal with Jesus.  This was a blessing.

I have always been told that only ordained can preside ofer the Sacrament of Communion. I have helped as a StaffAss but I saw something in a United Churcch Bulletin that has left me curious.

It invited anyone in the congregation who wanted to take communion to shut-ins, family or sick, to contact office and pick up elements and liturgy.

I am not against communion being more widespread but I would rather see some education  to the servers before they go into the community.

Pentecost is this upcoming Sunday (May 27).  I always enjoy our celebration of it, especially here at Forest Hill United where we celebrate with lots of Holy Spirit hymns and communion.

If this has been covered in another threat, I appologize....

This idea came to be from another thread when they were talking about candels...

Communion - do you use grape juice - water - wine or a mixture of both.....

When I was young, my Irish Catholic mother made sure that I received all of the necessary rites of passage that were available in our church. That began with baptism, but I have no memory of being baptized. The first rite that I was old enough to remember was my first communion when I was about 9 years old. And it was very memorable for a number of reasons.

So I am playing the piano for two Church services this coming Sunday.

It is a communion Sunday.  The Church is fine with me taking communion as this is my parents' Church and I was baptised there.

In the United Church, the council or board, I believe, decides what elements should be used for Communion. Most opt for grape juice for a variety of reasons.

Children are encouraged to participate in Communion. It was a long fought fight and in most United Churches, children are now included.

BUT............should your church decide to use wine , would churches still be as welcoming of children to Communion.

This is a wondering question.

Let's have a discussion about this. It stem's from Pinga and Northwind (in another thread) commenting that if you are in another faith church, temple or mosque, we re the guests and should honour their traditions. e.g communion.

It also brings to mind, First Nations Traditions ( smudging etc. with out an Elder present.)

What are your thoughts?

I was reading an obituary in the paper of a Sister (Nun). It said the woman was held up and commended for her life's work. -  "prayer life";   "Eucharistic Devotion" and "Missionary Spirit "

So it obviously matters to Catholics how many times they receive communion . I am guessing.

Does it matter for the rest of us? - non-Catholics.