RBC’s series of Beacon articles this year showcases a wide variety of differing practices encountered among Rosedale Network congregations. We hope these articles promote thoughtful discussions and spark new ideas about the differing ways our churches are faithfully seeking to honor Christ as His Body.
This or That?
Part 8
…At Pigeon River Mennonite Church in Pigeon, Michigan
Preparation: Communion is usually announced at least a week ahead with the encouragement for everyone to prepare their hearts and to come at peace with their brothers and sisters and the Lord.
Frequency: Usually twice a year on World Communion Sunday and Maundy Thursday. Occasionally we add a third time on another Sunday morning such as Valentine’s Day, when it connects to the morning theme, or we sense the importance of a unifying practice.
Elements: Typically, homemade gluten-free wafers and grape juice. We also provide a dairy-free option for those who need it. During COVID, we used prepackaged elements but have moved away from that now. On World Communion Sunday, we have offered “breads from around the world” such as arepas from Venezuela, injera from Ethiopia, and challah from Israel/Germany.
Mode of Distributing: Most often, we pass the elements on trays on Sundays and around the dinner table on Maundy Thursday. We have also practiced coming forward (for those who are able) to receive the elements personally. And at times we have gathered around three tables at the front of the sanctuary at which elders serve as table hosts for more of an intimate community feel.
Words Spoken: After introductory comments are made about our open table, the mode of distributing, the elements offered, and the children’s blessing, a prayer is offered that ends with the Lord’s Prayer in unison. The elements are consecrated and a unison prayer from the back of the hymnal is read before the elements are distributed.
Who may partake? We practice an open table for all those who have committed themselves to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
What about children? Children are invited to come to a pastor at the back of the sanctuary. We then offer them fish crackers and grapes along with a blessing.
A few concluding tidbits: we view communion as primarily symbolic. Our Maundy Thursday service typically begins with a simple meal and also includes footwashing. Along with communion, we usually take up an offering for the sharing fund.
Dave Maurer, in his 24th year of congregational ministry, has been the pastor of Pigeon River Mennonite Church since January 2016. He and his wife, Beth, are the parents of four children. Alongside ministry, Dave enjoys coaching soccer, hiking, and gardening.
…At Steel City Mennonite Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
We observe communion at least four times per year, with two being a part of the regular worship service. The other two observances of communion are usually held on Good Friday and during our Christmas Eve service.
We practice “open” communion when sharing the bread and cup. Everyone who has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is welcome to participate regardless of church membership or denominational affiliation. Children under the age of accountability are also invited to partake, provided the parents (or grandparents) use the communion time as a time of teaching regarding the sacrifice of Jesus.
As an aside, we announce there is grape juice in the cups. While this may be an understood fact by many, it isn’t always known, especially to those from other denominational traditions. Several years ago, a newer Christ-follower did not partake of the cup because this person was a recovering alcoholic and did not want to jeopardize sobriety. A lesson was learned. Now we always announce that grape juice will be used.
Our methods of sharing communion vary broadly. We have often used the traditional communion serving trays passed through the rows. We have also used those same serving trays to invite people to come and be served by the elders. Other times, the elements were stationed throughout the sanctuary, and people were encouraged to meet in smaller groups of six to ten people, serving one another.
Another way of serving communion that has become meaningful is having people tear off a piece of bread, dip it into the cup, and then eat. There is something about the tearing and dipping that makes it rather poignant. Through our actions, we are reminded of Christ’s death for us.
Regardless of the “how” and “when” of our practice of communion, we desire to do all in remembrance of Christ and in doing so, proclaim His death until He returns.
David Kochsmeier serves as senior pastor at Steel City Mennonite Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Bev, have been in ministry there since 1990.
