One: To come to this table is to affirm abundant life – to acknowledge the reality of our lives and encourage one another as the children of God, as the saints of the Church.
Many: Gathered together in all our diversity, we make real the Body of Christ for the world.
One: Together we re-member that last night when Jesus supped at table with that motley crew of friends gathered ‘round.
Many: There Jesus offered a ritual that transcended difference, knitting together all those at the table into one community, into one ministry, into one new life.
One: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and shared it, saying, “This is my body given for you.”
Many: In all times, we may be sure that the Bread of Life will sustain us.
One: In the same way, we remember that Jesus took the cup, saying, “This is the cup of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many.”
Many: The cup that we pour symbolizes our communion with one another and with the saints in every time and beyond time.
One: Eternal God we stand in sacred community with the faithful and before these gifts of your love. Joining together as the priesthood of all believers, we bless these elements, praying:
All: Come Holy Spirit, come and pour out your Spirit upon us and on these gifts of bread and fruit of the vine. Make them be for us the bread of life and the quenching cup of blessing, so that we may be the Body of Christ for the world, co-creating God’s vision of compassion and dignity until all are reconciled and feast together at your table forever. Amen.
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Adapted from communion liturgies from Cambridge Welcoming Ministries, the Extraordinary Ordination Service of Church within a Church, Touch Holiness edited by Ruth Duck and Maren Tirabassi (A Prayer for Holy Communion, Based on the Gospel of Luke) and Worship Ways (All Saints’ Day 2016).
Joy of the Journey 