As we say in our Invitation to the Table, "Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to be at peace with one another." If you can say you do or have done these three things, you are welcome to receive.
Additionally, all baptized Christians, of any age (including infants) and any Christian denomination are welcome to the Lord's table. It is Christ's table. He welcomes all who are baptized in his name, and so do we!
What does Holy Communion mean within the Cameron UMC?
Holy Communion is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements – in this case, bread and juice – as means of divine grace. Holy Communion is a gift of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
What are some of the other names by which Holy Communion is called?
Other names frequently include “The Lord’s Supper,” and “Eucharist” which means “Thanksgiving”.
How do Holy Communion and Holy Baptism – our sacrament – differ?
Through baptism, we are initiated into the church, the body of Christ. Baptism is not repeated, because God is always faithful to the divine side of this covenant relationship. Through Holy Communion, we are nourished and sustained in our life of faith. Because we constantly need to receive God’s grace in order to live and grow in holiness, Holy Communion is to be received repeatedly.
What happens when we participate in celebrations of Holy Communion?
The presence of Christ is, through the power of the Holy Spirit, a living reality in our midst. As we come together as a congregation at Cameron UMC to celebrate Holy Communion, not only do we remember what God has done for us in the past, but we also experience what God is doing for us here and now.
What spiritual benefits do we receive in Holy Communion?
We receive whatever grace we need and are open to accepting. Benefits include forgiveness of sins;,spiritual strengthening and sustenance for our journey of salvation, healing of our brokenness, reconciliation with God and other people, empowering for our ministries of redemption, reconciliation, peace and justice and a foretaste of eternal life with Christ.
Who is invited to the Lord’s Table to celebrate Holy Communion within the Cameron UMC?
Everyone! All persons who respond to the invitation – those who need Christ, seek forgiveness of sin, desire to become more Christlike and ant to act lovingly toward others. We welcome those from other churches to commune with us.
Can a person who has not been baptized participate in Holy Communion?
Yes! United Methodism does not limit access to the table of the Lord. We welcome all who wish to participate in Holy Communion regardless of whether or not they have been baptized, just as our Lord, Jesus Christ did.
Are children welcome to celebrate Communion within the Cameron UMC?
Yes! Children are members of the body of Christ. The grace available in Holy Communion is not dependent upon age, intellectual capacity or cognitive comprehension.
What about who feel unworthy or not good enough to come to Holy Communion?
We do not qualify to come to the Lord’s Table based upon our worthiness. We come, instead, because of our need to experience God’s love and receive forgiveness and healing.
What about those who cannot be present at worship when Holy Communion is served?
The bread and wine consecrated in the congregational service should be taken to them by pastors or laity.
Is it all right for pastors to make up their own communion ritual or to omit parts such as invitation, confession and pardon, or Prayer of Great thanksgiving? No, pastors and congregations are expected to use the services of Word and Table in the official United Methodist hymnals and books of worship. Variety and creativity are encouraged as long as there is faithfulness to the theology and shape of the ritual. Abbreviation of te ritual by omitting important section is inappropriate and destroys the integrity of the service.
If I cannot eat wheat, may I still receive communion?
Absolutely. We are able to provide alternatives for those who have celiac disease and other allergies, as long as we know ahead of time. The ancient Christian doctrine of concomitance means that a physical ability to receive in either kind (bread or cup, or even both!) does not alter the benefits of the sacrament when you present yourself to receive it.
When should the bread be broken?
As we note in the ritual in our hymnal, the bread is broken after the conclusion of the Great Thanksgiving, typically right after the Lord's Prayer. We do not break the bread to remember the words or re-enact the actions of Jesus. We break the bread because after we have completed our prayer of Thanksgiving and the Spirit has been poured out upon it and upon us, now we are ready to start giving it to others.
Do I have to kneel to receive? How may I receive?
No. How you receive is up to you. Typically at Cameron UMC, we host three to four lines while members of our congregation stand and receive in that line as they walk through. If you feel compelled kneel near the Lord's Table, please feel free to do so. If you are unable to come forward, someone may bring you the blessed elements where you sit. If you are unable to attend church, please contact our church office at (816)632-3461 and we will bring the blessed elements to you.
The key word is that you receive rather than take the elements. They are given to you by servers.
