Should We Celebrate Communion Every Week?

Throughout history, the faithful have gathered on the Lord's Day to experience the fullness of God's love.  Imagine the early Christians, coming together to break bread and share the good news of Jesus' resurrection.  This practice, of proclaiming God's word and celebrating the Lord's Supper, is a beautiful tradition we inherit in the United Methodist Church.

Think of worship as a nourishing meal for the soul.  The Word of God, preached with passion and clarity, feeds our minds and hearts.  Just as important is the sacred meal of the Lord's Supper – a time to receive Christ's presence, to reflect on His sacrifice, and to find forgiveness and renewal.  These two elements, the Word and the Table, are not separate courses, but rather parts of a complete spiritual banquet.

The Basic Pattern of Worship is traced to its Jewish roots. The Thanksgiving and Communion, commonly called the Lord’s Supper is a Christian adaptation of Jewish worship at family meal tables. . . . Christians held an adapted synagogue service and broke bread when they gathered on the first day of the week. (Acts 20:7). The practice of the Christian church from its earliest years was weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper on the Lord’s Day. The Didache, a source from the late first century or early second century says, “On every Lord’s Day—his special day—come together and break bread and give thanks . . .” (14). Justin Martyr, writing around A.D. 150, relates, “And on the day called Sunday there is a meeting . . . bread is brought, and wine and water, and the president similarly sends up prayers and thanksgivings . . .” (Chapter 67) Most Christian traditions have continued this pattern.

John Wesley, a leader in our Methodist heritage, understood the importance of this combined experience.  He encouraged regular participation in Holy Communion, just as the early Christians did.  Why?  Because both the spoken word and the shared sacrament strengthen us in our faith journey.  Hearing the gospel proclaimed ignites a fire in our hearts, and participating in the Lord's Supper allows us to actively respond to that message.  It's a beautiful dance between hearing and doing, between receiving God's grace and offering ourselves back to Him in service.

The UMC document This Holy Mystery, states: "Congregations of The United Methodist Church are encouraged to move toward a richer sacramental life, including weekly celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the services on the Lord’s Day, as advocated by the general orders of Sunday worship in The United Methodist Hymnal and The United Methodist Book of Worship."

We understand that some churches may face challenges in celebrating Holy Communion every Sunday.  Limited pastoral leadership can create obstacles.  But know this, dear brothers and sisters: a nourishing spiritual life is available to all.  Our church encourages exploration of cooperative ministries with other congregations, so that no one is left without the opportunity to experience the fullness of worship through both Word and Table.