Rick's communion question

[Jeff]

Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by rickus on 7/18/05 at 9:17am

This is unnecessarily long, so unless you've got some time to brutally murder, you may want to wait to read this.

The back story:

About two weeks ago I was in church and for the first time since I've attended services there we had Holy Communion, or the Eucharist, or the Sacrament or whatever you want to call it. You all know what I'm talking about.
Well, I'm sitting in church and Dr. Meyers says a little prayer, passes out several plates with loaves of bread on them (yes, actual bread), and that is passed out to the congregation. When the plate arrives at me, I simply take the plate and pass it to the usher who didn't see that I hadn't pulled any bread from the loaf. Then Dr. Meyers said something (I can't remember what, but it was only one word) and the congregation ate the bread.
Then Dr. Meyers passed out the wine to the ushers and they in turn passed it out to the congregation. When the tray of wine (yes, it was actually wine) got to me I took it and handed it to the usher whom I attend Bible study class with. She had seen that I didn't take any wine for myself, and she looked shocked.
"Don't you want to..." she whispered.
"No Ma'am." I replied, lifting the tray up for her to grab. Reluctantly she accepted it. She started to go the the next row of pews, then turned back to me and said, a little louder this time, "Are you sure?"
I was now a little embarrassed. "No. Thank you." I insisted.
A few minutes later Dr. Meyers said something else (I really wish I'd paid more attention), everyone drank, and put the empty vials in the pew back next to the Hymnal holder. I had always wondered what those little holes were for. In every church I'd been in up to now the grape juice was drank and the vial placed back in the tray.

The question:

I know it's hard to tell from the paragraphs above but I did pay a little attention to what was happening. When Dr. Myers was "prepping" the congregation for what was about to happen he said that it was "...open to everyone. What do I mean 'everyone?' I mean EVERYONE." He said the word loud and slowly, pausing for emphasis.
Well, I know he meant everyone. But I didn't think he meant me. I know I'm among friends, and that I don't really know where I stand in the world of religion is no secret to you. That is, I don't believe I'm a Christian. I don't believe most of the accounts of miracles in the gospels. I don't believe Jesus died for my sins. And I don't believe he rose from the dead. I don't believe Jesus was divine, (perhaps that should be Divine) at least not more than the rest of us.
That's not saying he didn't understand God better. I believe he did. I think he was a wise man, a kind man, and a rabble rouser. And I want to live the way he wanted us to... Well, for the most part.
So, should I have eaten the bread and drank the wine? Okay. I know the answer to that question. And the answer is no. Because I've never really tried to puzzle out for myself what the Eucharist means. Partaking in a ritual that you don't understand is (in my opinion) dangerous, misleading and disrespectful. So I'm left with two questions. What should I do the next time the tray comes to me? And what does Communion mean to a guy like me, who doesn't believe in the Divine Jesus? I am a member of this church and it feels VERY odd to be a member who isn't participating. I've been taught (I'm not sure when) that one must be "Saved" and that they must believe in Jesus Christ as their lord and savior. I tend to dismiss people who would agree with this statement. But just because I disagree with them doesn't mean I should take up the cup. My gut tells me that Jesus was the kind of guy who would have said "Hey Rick, common man. It's my last supper. You not going to drink with me?" And of course I would. After all, it's called Communion.

The verses:

I've now done some reading in the Bible, and it looks like there are four references to the "last supper." First in Matthew:

26While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, 'take, eat; this is my body.' 27Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you; 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'

The editorial commentary in Katie's cool new Bible (courtesy of Amanda & Justin) says that in verse 26 'this is my body.' is symbolic of the community. I can kind of imagine Jesus tearing bread and saying 'Here. Hand that to Simon. Paul, here you go. Everybody have some?' He looks around then says with gusto, 'Eat.' Then gesturing to all of his disciples with arms open wide, 'This is my body.' Can you see that? I can.
Then in verse 28 'for this is my blood of the covenant' it says that this is not a new covenant. The commentary refers back to Exodus 24.7-8:

7Then he (Moses) took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, 'All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.' 8Moses took the blood and dashed it on the people, and said, 'See the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.'

From the commentary I'm kind of getting that Jesus is saying something like this: "This wine will symbolize the 'Blood Covenant'. In much the same way that the ox who was offered up as sacrifice to God in Sinai; as its blood was dashed onto the Israelites this wine is offered up for forgiveness of sin." Yeah. I guess...that's...what he's saying (please note lack of conviction). I try to keep in mind that this is the passover dinner of unleavened bread. It would only be natural for people, including Jesus and his disciples, to be thinking back to the days of Moses. But you know It doesn't sound like he's really talking to anybody other than his disciples. And it doesn't really sound like he's creating a new ritual here ether.
Mark's account is a little different:

22While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, 'take; this is my body.' 23Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. 24He said to them, 'this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.'

Ok, the bread thing is the same. Body. Got it. Wine: "this is my blood of the covenant." Still cool there. But then we get to "which is poured out for many." Sticking with my earlier interpretation I would just add that: Like the blood that was dashed onto all the Israelites, the wine is shared with all the disciples.
Now we look at Luke, and I start to wonder again; should I, or should I not participate:

17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, 'take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, 'this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'

This account feels like Jesus is saying: "I am surrendering my body to be crucified. Eat this bread and think about that. The blood that is spilled during my crucifixion means our agreement with Moses is over. This wine, is like my blood being spilled. Take a drink. With that drink, a new covenant between you and God exists."
He sounds so much more Divine. He IS the sacrificial lamb. He IS dieing for humanity's sins. It is though HIS death that we attain salvation, even though he doesn't say what that "new covenant" is.
Of course there is no mention of the Eucharist in John's account of the last supper. But in First Corinthians Paul says this:

23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'this is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'this cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."

When we look back to Matthew's 'Take, eat; this is my body.' then to the accounts in both Luke and 1 Corinthians; Jesus seems to go from someone who sounds like he's speaking about community to someone predicting his own demise. He says "Do this in remembrance of me." And here he actually sounds as though he wants to start a new ritual.
The line "Do this in remembrance of me," conjures up images of some sappy modern day cop drama where the endearing, family man, supporting actor gets shot. He's laying there in a pool of his own blood and he knows he's dying. So he says to his best buds, "Lissen Pauly, Matt... Whe's Mawk? Mawk, lissen. Wheneva you an da boys go down ta McGillocutty's fo-a cold one afta work." Enunciating the "r" in work causes him to cough hard and blood starts to trickle out the corner of his mouth. "I'd... I'd like it if ya could, drink one fa me. And know dat I'm witcha. Can ya do dat? Can ya do dat fa me?" They nod. He smiles. Then of course he coughs up a blood loogy and dies with his eyes still open. His tearful friends close his eyes, go have a cold one, and then avenge his death.
And of course, from the verses in 1 Corinthians, we can see that Paul's given the ritual to them, to then give to others. But Paul does a little something else that Matthew, Mark and Luke don't do and that is to supply us with a little commentary on why we do this, and how we should do it.

26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. 27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. 28Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves.

The first time I read this I thought: "Oh. OK. Just don't do it in vain."
But after reading it several times over: Wow! I can only see one way of looking at it: "When you do this, you do it because you know that Jesus AKA God is coming back! If you do it in vain, there's going to be hell to pay! So make damned sure you believe Jesus is God and is coming back before you do it. Or there'll be hell to pay!!!"

The summation:

Part of the reason I've joined Mayflower Congregational is so that I can have a more cerebral study of the life and teachings of Jesus. And for fellowship in an environment that doesn't judge me for being me.
When Katie and I went to the "New Member Class," I asked Dr. Meyers if I could still be a member If I didn't believe in "Jesus Christ as my lord and savior." He grinned, saying that that phrase is a tool used by individuals to categorize people. He added, to my surprise, that he himself doesn't believe that Jesus was born to a virgin. He doesn't believe Jesus performed many of the miracles attributed to him. He doesn't believe that Jesus rose from the dead, or that because he was crucified we are forgiven our sins. And yet he not only partook in the Eucharist, he orchestrated it. He believes he is a Christian. Why don't I?
I don't know if what occurred in Matthew is the most accurate telling of the events and Paul just added to it for people who needed more ritual in their religion. Or if Paul has it right and Matthew screwed it up, portraying it as "not that big a deal." This is one of the fundamental problems I have with Christianity. Even after studying the books that the religion is based on you are left with deep unanswerable questions.
And yet, I want to be a part of the community. I study the same book. I sing the same songs. I say the same prayers. And from talking to Dr. Meyers I have many of the same disbeliefs. Why too should I not then share the same Sacrament.
So I turn to you, my trusty ol' friends, who have never let me down when it comes to sharing your ever varied opinions. When next time the tray comes my way, what should I do? And what should Communion mean to me?

[Jeff]

Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by Jeff on 7/18/05 at 9:55am

Rickus, I only have 10 minutes right now, but I really wanted to post some reply. A couple of things. First, Paul was not at the last supper. Paul never met Jesus. He was some freak Christian hater who co-opted the sect. I have a kind of love hate relationship with most of what Paul writes. The bit that you quote from him, for instance, is from 1st Corinthians. What you have to remember about that church is that they were libertines in Corinth. So Paul is frequently saying stuff like: Don’t have orgies! and be sincere! In chapter 11, where he is discussing the Lord’s Supper he starts by saying, “In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good” (11:17). It seems like people were using the ritual as an excuse to get a free meal or get drunk. So, what Paul is really on about is a much more base kind of error than your issue. Also, notice that Paul says that he gets this directive from the Lord--and a good thing too, since what he doesn't get from Jesus he just makes up. You might wonder exactly what kind of communication Paul had with Jesus. And if you go that far, you might question a bit what Paul’s intentions and motives really were.

Last night Justin and I were talking about the necessity of Christian community. And I said that I think that Christianity is unimaginable without some kind of Christian community. Even Jesus did not act alone. There was always the posse. Paul and Luke were the same. Even later monastic types were taken as founders of orders. Fundamentally, then, communion is a ceremony of Christian community. And the idea that there is no epistemological litmus test for membership (pace literalists) is high-minded Christianity. But I am quite sensitive to your problem with it: Once you give up belief as a test for membership in the community how do you ever tell who is in and who is out? But maybe that is just the point.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...
Let him who is without sin cast the first stone...
I will pour out my Spirit on all people...
Let us do good to everyone...
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Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by Guest Justin on 7/18/05 at 1:51pm

Rick, you're describing a practice commonly called "Open Communion," which has been part of a widening schism in the church (used loosely here) for a very long time. I grew up Methodist, and open communion is one of things that Methodists are known for. Yes, under that model communion is freely available to all, and I do mean all. A wayward Satanist who wanders into a Methodist church just to get in out of the cold is as welcome at the Lord's Supper as a Methodist bishop--at least in theory. The Methodists use open communion as a symbol of openness and inclusiveness. It's a way of saying we're all equally worthy (or unworthy, depending on how you look at it) of mercy and forgiveness. We're all sinners, and yet we're all (potentially) part of the body of Christ. Communion here means that we're embracing our capacity as humans both to sin and to be forgiven. It's a way INTO the faith.

I've been to other churches that do not practice open communion. There the word communion means something different here. In a modern Episcopal church, communion is available only to Christians who have professed their faith. Mandy and I went to a Lutheran church that said you have to have a sit down with the Vicar just to be sure you're on the same page spiritually. If so, then you can partake in communion. Catholics and Orthodox Christians require a full confirmation (not just an affirmation) of faith based on directed study of codified beliefs (called catechism). If you aren't confirmed, then you can't partake. These are increasingly more exclusive spheres. The word communion here refers to a ritual between members of like faith, or even between members of the *same* faith. It's not a way into the faith, but a rite reserved for the faithful. I think this use of the word communion is valid within its own context, but it's different from how I grew up. I didn't realize that other churches had different practices until later in life.

Interestingly enough, the issue of Open Communion is apparently on the table of late somewhere in the Methodist upper management. My pastor recently related to me that if our conference chooses to discontinue the practice, she will voluntarily withdraw from the clergy. I agree with her that this would be a very unwise step for our church to take.

Ditto with Jeff on Paul. I hate him, I love him. I think we wouldn't be having discussions about Christian communion now had it not been for him. On the other hand, he certainly clouds the waters on almost every issue. The best of Paul shines through like a diamond (read Romans 12). The worst of Paul is a bunch of elitist, racist, sexist, homophobic, slavery-sympathetic dogmatic crap. Sadly, he often oscillates between the two in a single passage.

Of course, you should decide what to do based on how you feel. But I've never taken communion when it means nothing to me. Even when it feels a little hollow and habitual, it's only a reflective thought away from suddenly becoming a mind-blowingly interesting ceremony. It's that whole pre-Modernity resemblance way of thinking taken to ridiculous extremes. C'mon, how often are we *commanded* to eat flesh, to drink blood in order to become holy? Embrace your inner cannibal! Taste the Godflesh! Bon Appetit!
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Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by CaptAdam on 7/19/05 at 8:45am

Hello all, only got to read what Rick wrote so far. And the way you interpeted the scripture is surprisingly acruate. Are you sure that you have never once in you whole life believed in Jesus as your savior??

Any how the good Dr. sounds like a nice enough man, but he is wrong. I'm not agreeing to disagree here, I'm telling you the man is very wrong. The communion is not to be interred causually, the bible I believe in Corienthians Pauls scolds believers who are getting drunk and doing other bad things during the Lord's supper.

If you really never have believed then takeing or not takeing communion will mean nothing to you neither good nor bad.

If you are a believer then before taking communion you should make sure that you have dealt with any known sin in your life. Cause there can be consiquences to your actions.

I'm glad that you have chosen to attend a church Rick, but I'm sorry to hear that this Dr. (not sure if he is the preacher or not) doesn't really believe what he is teaching. That means that what he teaches is no longer viewed as God's word, but just a bunch of men who wrote down some good things. That would then mean that the bible is not much different that what Gandi taught or Confusis or Budda. (sorry for my spelling)

To become a member of a church really is a big thing your publicly saying that I believe as this church body does. Other wise why become a member, you can always attend church anywhere with out becomeing a member. Membership also means that your looking or should be looking to plug into the body and discover your spiritual gift or gifts that God gives to each and every believer.

There is a lot to this subject and writing is time consuming and harder than talking, but I'm always going to share either by email or phone or if you like I can visit sometime.

I believe you where right in your own personal conviction not to partake, the person doing the serving obviously doesn't understand what it is all about cause if they had they would just have smiled and said nothing. And if they where truely concerd as to your reason they should have made time to talk with you in privite.

Don't know if the whole church body believes as the good Dr. does, but either way he's doing a very bad thing by leading people astray and the bible talks about those that do and how they will be punished.

If you really want to know what the bible has to say and what being a christian is all about and not looking for some kind of feel good group hug.

Then find a church that believes these three things:
1 The bible is God's word
2 Jesus is God in human flesh
3 Salvation is through faith in Jesus as your savour

Any time that you mix good works with faith for salvation then Chirst died for nothing and eternal life is no longer a free gift, but some thing that you earn like wages for a days work.

If it is works then how much good do you have to do to have enough?

This is where I and may others split in the road to God, I know and believe that good works is what being a disciple is all about and only a believer can be a disciple if they chose to. If your not a believer or you are but your doing works for all the wrong reasons then your not doing good works but instead works that are good.

That's the difference between chirstian disciples and just good people. The disciples are doing good works through the power of God, in faith and love for his honor not thier's.

will talk more if you like, I have limited time so my posts may be few, sorry for being in and out.

I hope that what I've said doesn't make anyone mad.

[Jeff]

Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by rickus on 7/19/05 at 1:31pm

Wow! You've all given me a lot to think about. Thanks!

While writing my initial letter, I believe I convinced myself that Jesus would have welcomed me to his table. After all, Judas was at the table, and Jesus served him. And as justin said, "We're all sinners, and yet we're all (potentially) part of the body of Christ." And I like what he added, "Communion here means that we're embracing our capacity as humans both to sin and to be forgiven. It's a way INTO the faith."

And I could really use a healthy dose of faith. Adam asked me, "Are you sure that you have never once in you whole life believed in Jesus as your savior?" To witch I have to answer "Yes. I'm sure." I have no faith. I think I am missing the "Faith Gene," I'm not kidding. And while I DO NOT think you take your faith for granted Adam, I do believe you will never understand from my perspective just how great a gift your faith is. I envy you for it.

Jeff said, "Fundamentally, then, communion is a ceremony of Christian community." And I think this hit's home to how I feel about communion for now. I don't think Jesus was trying to start a new ritual. But then Jesus wasn't a Christian. I think communion is a Christian creation, to supply Christians with a physical connection with their Christ. Of course this would give anybody (who believes) a spiritual uplifting. One that I'm afraid would be lost on me. Fundamentally, I don't think of myself as a Christian. I don't know if I ever will. But I do have a great deal of respect for those who are. Enough respect that I am going to keep passing the tray. If someday I discover that my feelings are changed I will be elated to be in the body of Christ, and take up the cup.

We've talked a lot about Paul, "I think we wouldn't be having discussions about Christian communion now had it not been for him.", as Justin pointed out. Paul came up in my Bible study class this weekend and I am growing more and more convinced (as Justin eluded to above) that what most people practice is a Paullenian brand of Christianity. "You might wonder exactly what kind of communication Paul had with Jesus. And if you go that far, you might question a bit what Paul’s intentions and motives really were." This comment by Jeff reminded me of a Terry Gross interview with John Dominic Crossan, author of: In Search of Paul: How Jesus' Apostle Opposed Rome's Empire with God's Kingdom. I remember wanting to get this book when I heard the interview. Have any of you had an opportunity to read it?

And in closing, I wanted to address this question from Adam: "...why become a member, you can always attend church anywhere with out becomeing a member." As I think I mentioned earlier I have a deep and heart felt respect for your faith. I believe that respect is something we both have in may ways for one another. That said I hope it extends to my (for lack of a better word) "religious" leanings.

I feel that the American Christian community has become ever more hostile to those who do not agree with them one hundred percent of the time. And I do mean hostile. There are people "of faith" that have advocated impeachment and even murder for judges who they disagree with. On so many levels I fear what Christians are doing to this country. We are becoming polarized in almost every facet of our lives, from school, to work, in the bedroom, and most visually in politics. And unfortunately the latter has the power to dictate what occurs in the former. Our country is undergoing a religious revival bathed in firry judgment and damnation. The church I've joined is a very small voice against this. I want that voice to be louder. So I'm lending my support to it. I believe, as they do that Jesus taught forgiveness, charity and love. That is not the message I hear from the greater christian community. My church like Jesus was, is concerned about feeding and clothing the poor, not whom they've slept with. I have heard of churches spending much time and money ensuring children will say the Lords Prayer in school. We work to see that children have access to medical care with our own medical clinic. Lately there has been much attention focused on monuments to the Ten Commandments. Many christians believe that removing these monuments is going against the will of God. Our church feels that removing people from the roles of social programs, who depend on them, goes against the teaching of Jesus.

We have a program called 363. Our minister, Dr. Meyers, started this program to help the poorer members of our society the other 363 days of the year not covered by Christmas and Thanksgiving. This is just one of many examples that persuaded me that even if I'm going to go to hell for my inability to believe I might be able to do a bit of good (spurred on by the teaching of Jesus' example) while I'm alive. In my earlier post I mentioned asking Dr. Meyer a question about membership. I asked him two questions during that class. I asked him what my responsibilities as a member were. He responded something like this: "To love a support the congregation. And to offer your talent and support the church's message, works, and teaching." And I do. From all I've seen, I think this church is on the path less traveled.
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Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by katie on 7/19/05 at 1:45pm

I just wanted to thank everyone that has posted so far. I know this is Rick's post, but it's regarding a subject that we have talked about quite a bit, and it's been nice to read your thoughts on the matter. I wasn't at church with Rick that particular Sunday, so I haven't yet experienced communion at our church (we have communion once every 3 or 4 months), but I also would have passed the trays along without partaking, since I feel the same way about performing rituals when you don't have a good understanding of them. I especially agree with Rick's statement that it can be disrespectful to others' beliefs.

Having said that, I think that Jeff and Justin have convinced me to give communion a try. All right, it didn't take much convincing, because I've been leaning towards that decision since Rick and I started reading references to communion a couple of weeks ago. But I love what you guys say about community, and Justin, good point about how if you are open to it, it can be a "mind-blowingly interesting ceremony."

It's kind of strange, the different little rituals that Rick and I perform and don't perform at church. Rick sings hymns with everyone and I don't (most of the sentiments in hymns reflect beliefs/ideas that I definitely don't have). I occasionally say the Lord's Prayer with everyone (Rick doesn't), but not on every Sunday, and only if I'm feeling it. Now I'm going to take communion and Rick's not. Put us together and we almost make a Christian!
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[Jeff]

Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by Betterout on 7/19/05 at 2:52pm


7/19/05 at 1:45pm, katie wrote:
It's kind of strange, the different little rituals that Rick and I perform and don't perform at church. Rick sings hymns with everyone and I don't (most of the sentiments in hymns reflect beliefs/ideas that I definitely don't have). I occasionally say the Lord's Prayer with everyone (Rick doesn't), but not on every Sunday, and only if I'm feeling it. Now I'm going to take communion and Rick's not. Put us together and we almost make a Christian!



Katie,

I consider myself a full-on Christian, and I do the exact same things. For instance, we often recite the Apostles' Creed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles_Creed) in my church as one of our rotating list of affirmations of faith or social statements. I've said the text so many times in my life, that it had long since lost its meaning by the time I entered my church-free adolescence. When I returned to the church going lifestyle in my twenties, I suddenly realized that I didn't actually believe about half of it. I figured, hey, why should I say this at all? Well, after a little soul searching, I realized that in refraining entirely, I was failing to affirm the parts I still believed in--which is much more than half. So, these days, I find myself saying it a little like this:

I believe in God, ___ almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, God's (well, my church says 'his,' but I try not to) ___ Son, our Lord, who was ___, born of ___ Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. ___ He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God ___ almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy ___ Church, ___ communion ___, the forgiveness of sins, ___, ___ Amen.

It's pretty hard to do this, since I can say the whole thing without thinking about it. But as long as I'm on my spiritually attentive toes (which is probably how we're supposed to be in church in the first place), I can usually come up with a statement of *some* of my Christian beliefs. Of course, if the thing were as long as it needed to be in order to encompass the whole enchilada, it would be next to impossible to say in a single morning worship service. You know, I went to a church service recently that really did last 17 hours. That's just too long, in my opinion.
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[Jeff]

Re: Now seating Jesus, party of 13...
Post by amanda on 7/19/05 at 11:09pm

Ultimately, Rickus, it's up to you whether or not you choose to take part in communion next time the plate comes to you, and it's up to you what meaning the communion will have for you. I think I tend to take some of the rituals of my faith for granted a little. I really should consciously think about them more. So, I have been over the last few days. Communion, for me, is a matter of individual faith. It's a ritual to unite us with God and each other. I believe you'd be just as welcome at God's table as anyone else, and I hope no one ever makes you feel otherwise. I'm not exactly sure how someone would be able to determine that someone is unworthy of taking communion. I do know that there are many who are willing to make such judgments far too readily.

On the subject of communion, there are some Christian denominations, such as the Quakers, who don't observe communion at all. (I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but for the most part, it is my understanding that they do not do this.) How important is communion (or how important should it be)?

Just some late night thoughts...
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