Question: How Do You Get Ready to Share Communion?

"Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed." Rev. 5:5

Be Still and know that I am God: We may play or sing an appropriate song to set the tone in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. It's best to minimize the possibility of distractions to maximize the personal encounter experience of each person. For example: Resist the urge to have any music playing during Communion (before and after is fine) and here's why: The Holy Spirit is gently and peacefully speaking to each person during communion. 

One person may be hearing a song or the whisper of the Holy Spirit while another may be hearing a gentle wind or sound of the ocean. Each experience is independent, intimate and personal.  

Come to the Table with bread and wine so that sharing it avoids any interruption during Communion. If travelling, for example we use a Communion kit or tote bag that has cups, juice and bread and set them up as or before you begin. 

Jesus is the Bread of Life: There are no rules on what type of bread you may use. Use whatever is available.  Leavened or unleavened bread is not an issue of the New Covenant. We know missionaries who used yams and water and others who used potatoes and goats milk. Its asking His blessing on the elements that is important. Whenever possible use bread and wine.

Jesus is the Vine: There are no rules on using wine (Jesus used wine), grape juice or a red juice drink. Use what is available. Again, it is asking His blessing on the elements that is important. Whenever possible use bread and wine.

Jesus is The Cup of Blessing: We like to use cups poured from the same container. When we are in the field with the homeless or in the coffeehouse we use smallish plastic or paper cups. Each person gets a cup with a fingertip of 'wine'. Sometimes when in faith gatherings there are trays with plastic cups or 'peel away' cups with the 'Host' under the lid. 

He leads us to The Table He prepares for us: He leads us to many tables. (Sometimes there isn't an actual table). Your living room or dining room or a wood bench will do. Sharing at the rail of the boardwalk.a front stoop or even at the pub or restaurant We've had communion on the hood of a car, on the phone and while Skyping with other countries. The Good Shepherd leads us to places for communion. We call those places His Table.

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