Like baptism, Holy Communion is a sacrament. That is, it's an act of worship ordained by Christ and is a means of grace. This does not mean that we become any more worthy of God's grace by taking part in Communion. Rather, we open ourselves to the divine love that's already there; we become more ready to receive that love and to respond to it.
Generally, communion is offered on the first Sunday of each month including special services of worship during the church year, e.g. Holy Thursday, Christmas Eve. The practice of "intinction" is our usual method of sharing. As persons approach the altar table a small piece of bread will be put in your hand and you may dip it in the cup of grape juice. Participants are then invited to spend as much time at the prayer rails as they need before returning to their seats.
At JODECO ROAD UMC, all who desire to be in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ are welcome – children, youth and adults of every age. All Christians are welcome at our table, whatever their denomination. Holy Communion is a family meal, and all Christians are members of Christ's family. Therefore, in each congregation, when we receive the bread and cup, we join with millions of brothers and sisters across the ages and around the world.
Holy Communion (or the Lord's Supper) is a mystery too deep for words, but three essential meanings are caught up in this proclamation in our Communion service: "Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again." (The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 14)
Visit www.umc.org for additional information.
