The Sacrament
of
Holy Communion
and the United Methodist Church
Some Questions & Answers
Why do United Methodists call this sharing of
bread and cup by different names, such as Lord's Supper, Holy Communion,
and Eucharist?
Each of these names is taken from the New Testament and highlights
certain facets of this sacrament's many meanings. Calling it the Lord's
Supper reminds us that it is a meal instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ
and hosted by him at his table whenever it takes place. Calling it Holy
Communion reminds us that it is an act of the most holy and intimate
sharing, making us one with Jesus Christ and part of his body, the
church. Calling it the Eucharist, a term taken from the New Testament
Greek word meaning thanksgiving, reminds us that giving thanks to God
for all that God has done is an essential part of the meal. By using
different names we acknowledge that no single name can contain the rich
wealth of meanings in this sacred act.
What do United Methodists mean when they call this
act a sacrament?
Our Confession of Faith states: "We believe the sacraments, ordained by
Christ, are symbols and pledges of the Christian's profession and of
God's love toward us. They are means of grace by which God works
invisibly in us, quickening [bringing to life], strengthening and
confirming our faith in him. Two Sacraments are ordained by Christ our
Lord, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper." The term is taken from the
Latin sacramentum, which was a Roman soldier's pledge of allegiance. A
sacrament is God's pledge of allegiance [love and faithfulness] to us,
and our answering pledge of allegiance to God.
Do United Methodists believe that the bread and
wine physically or chemically change into Christ's flesh and blood in
this sacrament?
No, we believe that the change is spiritual. They signify the body and
blood of Christ for us, helping us to be Christ's body in the world
today, redeemed by Christ's blood. We pray over the bread and the cup
that they may make us one with Christ, "one with each other, and one in
service to all the world."
I am a Christian, but not a United Methodist. Am I
invited to receive Communion in a United Methodist church?
Yes indeed. It is the Lord's Supper, not ours, and it is Christ who
invites you. As our ritual puts it, "Christ our Lord invites to his
table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to
live in peace with one another." We do not refuse any who present
themselves desiring to receive. Whether you should receive Communion
with us is between you and God.
I do not wish to receive Communion because doing so would be disloyal to
my religion or my denomination. May I attend a United Methodist
Communion service and not receive Communion?
Yes indeed. We do not want anyone to feel unwelcome because, for
whatever reason, they do not choose to receive Communion. Simply remain
seated when others go forward, or pass the bread and cup along if they
are passed to you, and no one will question what you do.
Should I receive Communion if I feel unworthy?
Two thousand years ago Jesus ate with sinners and those whom others
scorned. He still does. None of us is worthy, except by God's grace.
Thank God we don't have to earn worth in God's eyes by our goodness or
our faith. Your sacred worth, and outs, is God's free gift. No matter
what you have done or what your present condition, it you want Christ in
your life you are welcome at his table. Communion provides the
opportunity for you to confess your sins, to receive forgiveness, and to
indicate your intention to lead a new life.
May young children receive Communion?
Certainly. As The United Methodist Book of Worship puts it, "All who
intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are
invited to receive the bread and cup." We remember that when some of
Jesus' disciples tried to keep children away from him he said: "Let the
little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these
that the kingdom of God belongs" (Mark
10:14).
But do young children know what they are doing
when they receive Communion?
Do they understand the full meaning of this holy sacrament? No, and
neither do any of us. It is a wonderful mystery, and children can sense
wonder and mystery. Children cannot understand the full significance of
family meals, but we feed them at our family tables and at Christ's
family table. Young children experience being loved by being fed. They
sense the difference between being included and excluded at a family
meal. They have the faith of a child, appropriate to their stage of
development, which Jesus recognized and honored. Indeed, he said to
adults, "Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child
will never enter it" (Mark
10:15).
May I receive Communion without standing or
kneeling?
Certainly. In some United Methodist congregations most persons receive
Communion while standing, while in others most receive while kneeling;
but you are always welcome to receive
while seated. If others are kneeling at the rail, you may remain
standing and you will be served. You may also come forward and be seated
on the front row, or come forward in your wheelchair, and you will be
served. Or you may notify an usher, and someone will come to you and
serve you where you are seated.
If someone in my family wishes to receive
Communion but cannot come to the church service, can Communion be
brought to them?
Certainly. As an extension of the congregation's celebration of the
Lord's Supper, Communion is brought to persons, wherever they are, who
wish it but could not attend the service. This can be done by the pastor
or other clergy, or by designated laypersons.
Is Communion possible at weddings, at healing
services, or at funerals or memorial services?
Yes. If you wish to arrange this, talk with our pastor.
The author is The Rev. Hoyt L. Hickman, former Director of
Worship Resources for The United Methodist Church.
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