Communion
COMMUNION
Communion Services are held twice a month, one in the morning and one in the evening. Communion is the Lord’s Supper (known in other Christian Churches as the Eucharist or Mass) and is therefore the Lord’s invitation for anyone who wishes to join the rest of the congregation in this celebration. In Methodist Churches the Lord’s Table is open to all. You do not have to be a member of the Methodist Church in order to take the bread and wine, neither do you have to be a member of any other Church or denomination.
Communion is taken at the front of the Church. Sometimes the communion rail is used, at which people kneel, although if you prefer to stand you may do so. When the rail is not used everyone stands together to receive the bread and wine. Communion Stewards indicate when it is time for you to go forward to receive the bread and wine. If you prefer to have a blessing rather than to receive bread and wine, then simply stand with your hands crossed or by your side. If you wish to take communion, hold out your hand to receive the bread. Wine is passed around in small, individual glasses. The wine used at Methodist Communion services is always non-alcoholic. Children may also be brought up to be blessed.
If you are unable to walk to the rail and wish to take part in the service, just let the Communion Stewards know. Once the congregation has finished taking Communion, the Minister will bring the bread and wine to your pew.
A second collection is usually taken during Communion Services, for a specified charity that the Church is supporting that month.
