Celebrating Communion

What is “Holy Communion”?

Holy Communion is a symbolic remembrance of the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. At the Last Supper, Jesus took a loaf of bread, broke it, and asked his disciples to share bread with one another in remembrance of his own example. Through the broken bread, we participate in and become the symbolic body of Christ in the world. In like manner, Jesus took the cup filled with wine and asked his disciples to drink of that same spirit of loving-kindness and uniting harmony that was in him. Through drinking the wine or juice, we symbolically become the new life of Christ in the world. Through the sacrament of Holy Communion, we affirm that we are committed to Christ’s way of love and peace by our practices in this world.

[adapted from Communion Liturgy by Rev. Bret S. Myers]

When does it occur?

At Artisan, Holy Communion occurs after the sermon. It lasts until all people who wish to participate have taken their turn at the communion table.

Why is it a regular part of our worship services at Artisan?

The “Artisan Values” include Awe, Roots, Beauty, Justice and Community. Holy Communion connects us to our Roots in the ancient church, as well as to our present Community. We celebrate the Beauty of the Holy Communion and silently practice a moment of Awe as we meditate on Christ within ourselves and each other.

How do I participate?

All present are welcomed, but not required, to participate in Holy Communion. You may also use the time to sit and bow your head in prayer or stretch your legs by walking to the lobby. After the pastor finishes prayer, people will begin to form a line to the communion table. There are pieces of bread and cups of wine and juice. You may take one piece of bread and choose to dip it into the wine or juice. After dipping, you may contemplate Jesus’ life and works and what following Jesus means to you, personally. There is also usually individually packaged juice and wafers, if you prefer to take communion with those. When the line is nearly finished, the musicians will start a worship song that you may stand and sing along with.