John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, called the Sacrament of Holy Communion a “converting ordinance.” Through Wesley, we Methodists have inherited the idea that Communion is means of grace, that in Communion God conveys grace to us. In that way the bread and juice are spiritual food, giving us the grace we cannot earn and do not deserve. As food fuels our bodies, grace fuels our souls. Holy Communion is one of the ways God does both of these things. The tangible bread and juice signify the intangible grace God imparts.
Out of an abundance of caution, Bethel has not celebrated Communion since March. All that will end on October 4th. You are invited to join us for a celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary. (Masks are required and Social Distancing measures will be in place.)
This weekend we celebrate World Communion Sunday, an annual observance on which Christians across the globe traditionally celebrate Communion. On World Communion Sunday we celebrate our essential connectedness to all Christians as the one body of Christ, the church, by celebrating the church’s shared meal. I cannot think of a better time for Bethel to return to the Table than this one!
We will have to celebrate Communion a little differently than we normally would to ensure everyone’s health and safety.Rather than the traditional common cup and loaf, we will use pre-packaged bread and juice. This is not theologically ideal, but it allows us to safely celebrate the sacrament. In keeping with the Bishop’s guidelines, following the Great Thanksgiving, we will process outside to receive the sacrament and hear the benediction (so that no masks need be removed inside
We will offer a full worship service virtually/online this week.
I hope you are as excited as I am and I hope to see you Sunday!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Julie Belman