Eucharist in Action

I'm sure if you are reading this blog now you are aware of my recent studies on the Eucharist practice of the early church. I first did some masters work on it, then some blogging about it, and then some preaching/teaching on it both here in the UK and in the states when I was there. This Sunday was my first back at New Life Church and I had the privilege of leading in a celebration of the Eucharist and I must say that I was amazingly blessed by the experience.

I have been scheming about practical ways of implementing some of things I have been learning in my studies. In particular I have been looking for ways of encouraging the communal aspect of the Eucharist where celebrating it as a full meal is not really an option. So today I had the thought of take one of the octagonal tables we have in our meeting room and moving it to the front/center with the bread and wine placed on all sides. The idea was to have the congregation come forward (orderly, but not too orderly) to receive the elements and, as there was room, come around the table. This way as they took the bread and wine they were also given the chance to look others in the eye, reminding them that they are joined not just to Christ, but to each other. (It should be noted that we were a small enough group that one table was sufficient. The same idea could be implemented for a larger group by having more than one table in different parts of the room.)

Furthermore, I encouraged the group to see this not just as a time to focus on Christ, but also as a time of fellowship in the presence of Christ. Along that line I suggested that it could be a time to greet one another and chat, or to pray with one another, especially offering prayer for those who may have particular needs.

I could see it all in my head beforehand, but I was a little unsure as to whether or not I would be able to sufficiently communicate the idea to the people. But let me tell you, it all happen just as I had envisioned (I'm sure that God had something to do with the thinking beforehand and the implementing!). People were coming forward in stages, smallish groups were forming around the room as people prayed together, others seemed to be saying hello and catching up. Some people were not actually able to get up to approach the table (my wife included since she was taking care of our two small children) so various ones took it upon themselves to go and bring back bread and wine for them. I was leading the music band so was able to join them around the table when we put down our instruments and then prayed for them. There was a very cool buzz around the room as if to suggest we were taking part in something very holy and still had the audacity to enjoy it.

Overall it was an overwhelming experience. It was beautifully focused on Christ not just in the taking of the bread and wine, but in the way it was taken, with respect, consideration and love for each other. I don't mean to idealize it too much really, but there was something very special about it for me. I'm writing this partly just to share my joy, but also for any who would want to know of a practical way of celebrating the Eucharist that seems to embrace the richness of the biblical witness. No doubt there are many other ways that also do this, but this is the closest I have experienced it yet.

My father-in-law and I were scheming about such things when we were together in the states. He leads a small church in Indiana that is in the process of rethinking many of the ways they do things. I hope that this might shed a bit of further light on our discussion. It also makes me think of those talks we had, late (but not too late) at night over good cups of decaf hazelnut coffee. Good times. Thank you, Lord, for all Your means of grace.