Mar
17
Written by:
SNT
3/17/2009 12:24 PM
We did something pretty cool at Emmaus this week. It may rank up there with the most amazing worship experiences of my life. Every week we celebrate communion together as part of the service. For the last 7 weeks the sermons have focused on helping us wrap ourselves around this communion experience - particularly focusing on 7 different parts of a prayer for communion that we pray together each week.
This week was the final week of the communion series - week 8 - and here's what went down:
The Set-Up
When people showed up, they they were surprised to find that the room full of tables instead of the traditional rows of chairs that they are used to. Each table had 8 table settings, some kind of hot egg casserole, a plate of bread, a bowl of fruit, some salt and pepper, some crayons for the little ones, and a table tent (is that what they're called) with a few questions to get people thinking about family meals.
There was sunday school for kids under 3 but as families showed they were encouraged to bring their kids into the meal if they felt up to it. Kathryn had made these sweet coloring page place-mats with a "Last Supper" scene for the kids who did come into the meal.
The stage, instead of having the typical communion table that is more reminiscent of an altar than a table, had a dining room table set with a full meal on it and a few chairs around it.
The Service
People seemed surprised but still comfortable as they made their way into the room and found a spot at a table. The service began with a quick welcome from the pastor and a mellow song that served as a prayer for the meal.
Then we ate. It was loud and chaotic and beautiful. It felt like a party - maybe a wedding reception.
After about 15 or 20 minutes, I shared a few thoughts that I intended to be helpful in interpreting this meal experience as a window into communion.
Then we celebrated communion in a more traditional sense, sang a few more songs, received a benediction, and cleaned up.
Was it a family meal or a worship service?
Yes.