Communion

We discussed taking communion ("The Lord's Supper") in our discussion of food and the soul. I think this is a very interesting conversation, and so Tony Jones' post about taking communion made me think of our cohort and how we do things.

Read his post here if you'd like. 

He highlights six things from Moltmann that should characterize the communion experience. I thought it was interesting that we basically do all six of these things already.

1. Communion must be central to the Christian community, must be integrated into the heart of the worship service (not tacked on at the end), and must be celebrated with bread and wine.
2. The table must be open to those of varying theological views.
3. Baptism and confirmation must not be prerequisites for the fellowship of the table.
4. Everyone who follows Christ is qualified to administer the sacrament, and everyone is called upon to offer and distribute the elements.
5. Not only should the person performing the liturgy face the congregation, but the entire worship space should, if possible, be redesigned to a “‘common room’ in which the participants can see and talk to one another.’”
6. Communion should always be followed by “a common meal, and the proclamation of the gospel by a common discussion of people’s real needs and the specific tasks of Christian mission.