Holy Communion

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the joyful feast of the people of God. The table is set for all people who wish to know the presence of Christ in the community of God’s people. Whether you are firm in your faith or full of questions; whether you are a member of this or another church or of no church at all; whether you have been to church nearly every Sunday of your life or have never attended a church at all; regardless of age, gender, race, class, sexual orientation, or abilities,
you are welcome at this Table, for it is not we who invite you, but Christ.

We affirm the words of the United Church of Christ’s Book of Worship:

The invitation and call to the Table celebrate not only the memory of a meal that is past, but an actual meal with the risen Christ that is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet at which Christ will preside at the end of history.

The visible breaking of the bread and pouring of the wine are symbolic actions with double significance. The wheat that is gathered to make one loaf and the grapes that are pressed to make one cup remind participants that they are one in the body of Christ, the church. But the breaking and the pouring also announce the costliness of Christ’s sacrificial life and of the discipleship to which all are called.

At 2CCW, we most often serve Communion to one another. After the minister offers the prayers, the deacons bring the Bread and Cup to us in the pews. First the Bread is distributed; and once all have received, we all partake together. Likewise, we receive the Cup and drink as one. Out of respect for our brothers and sisters in recovery, the Cup contains grape juice rather than wine.

Come, beloved of God, for all things are ready!