Communion

Holy Communion (also known in Christian churches as "the Lord's Supper" and "Eucharist") is one of the two sacraments celebrated in The United Methodist Church (the other being baptism). A "sacrament" is defined as an "outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace." In this case, the act of sharing bread and wine (actually grape juice in United Methodist Churches) has become an important symbolic action that incorporates remembering the death and resurrection of Christ while also receiving the presence of the living Lord.

The United Methodist Church believes in "open communion." This means that holy communion (also known in Christian churches as "The Lord's Supper" and "eucharist") is open to all people, irregardless of age or Christian background. We do not require individuals to show proof of baptism, nor do we require a child to experience "first communion," prior to coming to receive this gift.

As a sacrament, Holy Communion is also a "means of grace." This means that we believe that God works in and through this symbolic action, giving and bestowing His grace on all who receive the gift; though our experience of that gift of grace will invariably differ from the experience of our neighbor!

United Methodists also emphasize the symbolic aspect of this act, and thus do not believe in transubstatiation (the doctrine that through prayer the elements mysteriously become the actual flesh and blood of Christ).

At Song of Life United Methodist Church we celebrate Holy Communion the first Sunday of the month in both worship services. We generally receive communion by "intinction," where a piece of bread is given and dipped into the cup of grape juice.

You can find out more about the church's understanding and teaching of communion by reading "This Holy Mystery."