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I suspect there are relatively few places that only do the 4 times a year thing anymore.
I don't think the frequency of celebration of communion is actually recommended by the national church, so I'm curious to know the source of your info. Also curious to know if you're wondering if the celebration should be more frequent or less so?Why does the United Church of Canada require/recommend having a communion service at least 4 times a year?
Actually IIRC there was a rule at one time that it be celebrated at least 4 times a yearI don't think the frequency of celebration of communion is actually recommended by the national church, so I'm curious to know the source of your info. Also curious to know if you're wondering if the celebration should be more frequent or less so?
In my own churches over the years, it was probably 4-6 times/year, including the Xmas & Easter time services.
HOwever I can not find that in either the 2004 or 2019 Manual on a quick glance (did not check the other 4 I have as PDF). I do remember hearing it though. It may have been as much by prctice and tradition rather than by rule/policy, to judge from what Charlotte Caro says in Eager For Worship (p.59)Actually IIRC there was a rule at one time that it be celebrated at least 4 times a year
Thanks, everyone so far - if I could change the title I would change it to celebrate...as that is how I have learned to identify with the act of communion.
Now I realize I am going to get lots of different opinions on this but what does Celebrate Communion mean to you? And to be honest, I guess that is my thought behind the question my real question ... Why do we celebrate it?
That was very interesting. Is it normal in your church to drink from a shared cup?I think Chuck (from Chuck Knows Church - United Methodist site in the US - lots of interesting videos) sums up the 'why' reasonably well.
Actually no. We either use intinction or teensy weensy little glasses of grape juice - individual servings. For the bread - sometimes it is a big loaf & people will rip off their own piece, or it is cut up into little cubes & served from a tray. For gluten free option - some churches use only gluten free bread (which is more inclusive), some have separate bread on a separate plate, and sometimes I've seen a little container of rice crackers alongside the bread (not a good option IMO).That was very interesting. Is it normal in your church to drink from a shared cup?
Ya, sharing the cup, I would not be a fan.Actually no. We either use intinction or teensy weensy little glasses of grape juice - individual servings. For the bread - sometimes it is a big loaf & people will rip off their own piece, or it is cut up into little cubes & served from a tray. For gluten free option - some churches use only gluten free bread (which is more inclusive), some have separate bread on a separate plate, and sometimes I've seen a little container of rice crackers alongside the bread (not a good option IMO).
SOme studies have shown that the common cup, done properly, is actually better than intinction for germ transmission. Intinction is horrible, fingers always end up in the juice eventually.Ya, sharing the cup, I would not be a fan.
Good point, but I’ve never done that either.SOme studies have shown that the common cup, done properly, is actually better than intinction for germ transmission. Intinction is horrible, fingers always end up in the juice eventually.