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Communion at
Westmoreland Congregational UCC
Questions about
communion practices at Westmoreland
1. At What age may children
partake in the sacrament?
At any age when parents and/or children feel they are
ready. Children may come to the table and receive a blessing from the
minister or may share inthe sacred meal.
2. Has it always been this way
at Westmoreland?
About 10 years ago the Board of Chirstian Education, the
Ministers and the Board of Deacons put togehter a Task Force to study
the issue of when, how, at what age children should be offered
communion. The decision was to let parents decide and to offer several
classes about communion to families. About 6 years ago the Director of
Chirstian Education and the Senior Minister put togehter a communion
service especially designed to be understandable to children. The red
booket in the pews entitled Communion Book for Our Church Family is a
printed version of this service with helpful pictures and explanations
on facing pages.
3. Who prepares the sacraments?
Members of the Board of Deacons.
4. Who is allowed to bless and
serve the elements of bread and juice?
The Ministers bless the bread and cup and Deacons assist
with the serving. As the worshipers come forward to the table, a Deacon
usually holds the bread and says "the bread of Life" to each person
communing. The Minister usually holds the cup fo juice in which the
person dips the bread and says "the cup fo the new covenant." This is
called communion by intinction.
5. What kind of dishes are used
to serve communion?
There are two silver cups and silver trays for the
break. Twice a year we serve communion while the congregation is
seated. Then we use special trays that hold small individual cups of
juice. The cups are placed in the holders in pews when the juice is
consumed. The break is cut up and passed down the row on silver trays.
6. What happens if you can't go
to the front of the church to participate at the Lord's Table?
There are two Deacons who go down the middle aisle
inviting people to come forward. When they see that someone can't come
forward, they ask if they wish communion. These deacons then tell the
ministers, who come to serve that person where they are sitting.
7. What happens if you can't
leave your home or you are hospitalized? Can you take communion there?
Yes, the ministers have small "traveling" communion
dishes and can bring communion to you wherever you are.
8. How often does Westmoreland
celebrate communion?
We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of every
month. During the seasons of Advent and Lent, communion is served in
the chancel after worship.
Last updated Wednesday, February 20, 2008
1
Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-7766
Email the church office: churchinfo@westmorelanducc.org
www.westmorelanducc.org
An
Open and Affirming Congregation
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