Verbal actions, as well as gestures and postures, are included. Standing is a sign of respect and reverence. Kneeling and bowing signifies humility/confession. Hands raised and/or open represent praise/receptivity.  The sign of the cross affirms our baptismal identity.  The Table may be extended to those who are unable to attend because of age, illness, or other conditions.  Lay people may distribute the consecrated elements in the congregation and extend them to members.  (The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving IS NOT repeated.) “Self-service” Communion and “drop-in”  Communion are contrary to the communal nature of the Sacrament.

What ritual is to be used? According to The Discipline: “the ritual of the Church is that contained in the United Methodist Hymnal.” This ritual represents the decisions of the church about the theology and practice of Holy Communion. It expresses the unity of the universal church of Jesus Christ as well.

Presiding Leaders:

An ordained elder or a person authorized under the provisions of the “Book of Discipline” presides at ALL celebrations of Holy Communion. These persons administer the sacraments as authorized representatives of the church and of Jesus Christ. In particular, these persons must lead the Great Thanksgiving. Such ministry is under the supervision of the district superintendents and pastoral mentors for those not “ordained.”

 Communion Elements:

· The bread at Holy Communion needs to both look and taste like bread.

· The bread may be leavened or unleavened.

· The whole loaf best signifies our unity as the Body of Christ.  

Wine continues to be used in Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and many Protestant denominations.  The United Methodist Church turned to the use of unfermented grape juice during the movement against the abuse of alcohol. We continue that position today.

A single cup (Chalice) maybe used for intinction or for drinking. Individual cups may be used, but this is being used less due to the fact that we need to emphasize our unity in Christ’s cup.

For those individuals with gluten sensitivity, gluten-free rice bread and a separate cut is provided to reduce contamination.

The consecrated elements are to be treated with reverent respect and appreciation as gifts of God’s creation that have become for us “the body and blood of Christ.” We do not worship them, BUT respect them. Any elements remaining are to be disposed of by either consuming them in a reverent manner at the pastor's direction following the service or returning them to the earth by pouring, burying, scattering or burning.

Hygiene and Table Setting

Preparation of the elements are done so as to minimize contamination. Studies have revealed that those who participate in Holy Communion have no higher incidence of illness than those who do not. Special care needs to be taken when persons with weakened immune systems participate.

Holy Communion and Evangelism

The faith we experience at the Lord’s Supper is to be shared with all humanity. Many of God’s children have not “come home” to our Lord’s table. We are commissioned to invite them to join us there. Our outreach extends to all persons regardless of ethnicity, status, economic or political standing, or gender.

Holy Communion and Ethical Discipleship

Through Holy Communion, the Holy Spirit works to shape our moral and ethical lives. The occasion of the Lord’s Supper is a time to remember and reach out to the poor and those suffering from injustice. The Lord’s Supper is a means to help each person and the whole church resist evil, injustice and oppression.

Unity of the Church

Holy Communion expresses our oneness in the body of Christ, anticipates Jesus’ invitation to feast at the heavenly banquet, and calls us to strive for the visible unity of the church. Some churches such as Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox will not share communion until all differences are reconciled. United Methodists see communion as a sign of our goal and hope, even if it is not yet realized, and invite all to the table.