July 18, 2010

Eigth Sunday after Pentecost
Luke 10:25-37
Rev. Jim Kellermann, preaching
"Open Concept: Living Space"
Special Music by — Grace and Erica Sutherland

Upcoming Worship

(All Summer Sunday Worship begins at 10 a.m.)

July 25, 2010
Rev. Rich Peacock, Preaching
Matthew 5: 7, 9, 43-48; 18: 20
Music: Marlene Knaus

For a complete list of Worship Participants, click here.

Communion. Where the UMC stands

Holy Communion (or the Lord's Supper) is a mystery too deep for words. It's meaning will vary for each of us and from one time to another. 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).

"Christ has died"

In part, Communion is a time to remember Jesus' death, his self-giving sacrifice on our behalf. As he said to the disciples at their last meal together, "Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24).

In remembering his passion and crucifixion, we remember our own guilt; for we know that in our sin we crucify Christ many times over from day to day. So the Lord's Supper is a time of confession: "We confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart... We have not heard the cry of the needy" (The United Methodist Hymnal, p. 12).

"Christ is risen"

But Communion is not a memorial service for a dead Jesus. It's not a time to wallow in our own guilt. It's a time to celebrate the Resurrection, to recognize and give thanks for the Risen Christ. The bread and wine represent the living presence of Christ among us-though we do not claim, as some denominations do, that they become Christ's body and blood.

In Luke's Resurrection story, the Risen Christ broke bread with two of his followers at Emmaus, "then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him" (24:31). So, as we're nourished by this meal, our eyes are opened; and we recognize Christ here in our congregation, our community, and our world. What's our response? Thanksgiving! In fact, another of our words for Communion, the Eucharist, means thanksgiving.

"Christ will come again"

In Communion we also celebrate the final victory of Christ. We anticipate God's coming reign, God's future for this world and all creation. As Jesus said, "I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29).

We believe that we're partners with God in creating this future, but the demands of discipleship are rigorous. In the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper, in the fellowship of Christian friends gathered at his table, we find the nourishment we need for the tasks of discipleship ahead.

*From the United Methodist Member's Handbook, Revised and Expanded by George E. Koehler (Discipleship Resources, 2006).