The Meaning of Communion in The United Methodist Church

Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is a central act of worship in The United Methodist Church. It is a sacred meal where we encounter the presence of Christ and are reminded of God’s grace, love, and invitation to the table. But what does Communion mean for us as United Methodists? How does this holy practice shape our faith, our community, and our calling to serve in the world?

A Holy Mystery

United Methodists understand Communion as a sacred mystery. While we do not define exactly how Christ is present in the bread and cup, we affirm that Christ is truly present in this holy meal. According to This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion, “Through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit, God meets us at the Table.” (UMC.org)

Communion is more than a remembrance; it is an active means of grace. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, saw Communion as a vital practice for spiritual growth, calling it a “converting ordinance.” He encouraged frequent participation, believing that through Communion, God works in our hearts to strengthen our faith and transform our lives. In Communion, we not only reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, but we also experience renewal and spiritual nourishment.

Because we view Communion as a means of grace, participation is encouraged often. Unlike some traditions that see it as a rare or restricted event, United Methodists embrace the invitation to come to the table as frequently as possible, experiencing the renewing power of Christ’s presence.

Open Table: All Are Welcome

One of the most distinctive aspects of Communion in The United Methodist Church is our belief in an open table. This means that everyone is invited to receive, regardless of age, church membership, or background. As stated in The United Methodist Book of Worship, “All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup.”

This openness reflects God’s grace. We do not have to be perfect to come to the table; we come because we need God’s love and mercy. The invitation is Christ’s, not ours to restrict. We believe that just as Jesus shared meals with sinners, outcasts, and the broken, Communion is a place where all people are welcomed into God’s embrace.

The open table also serves as a reminder of our mission as a church: to extend love, welcome, and reconciliation to all. As we receive the body and blood of Christ, we are reminded that we are part of a greater, inclusive family of believers, spanning across cultures, denominations, and backgrounds.

Elements of the Meal

United Methodists traditionally use bread and grape juice in Communion. The use of grape juice instead of wine dates back to the temperance movement and reflects our commitment to hospitality, ensuring that all — including those who abstain from alcohol — can fully participate. The elements are consecrated by a pastor and distributed to the congregation, symbolizing our unity as the body of Christ.

The physical elements of bread and juice serve as tangible signs of God’s grace. Just as food nourishes our bodies, the bread and cup nourish our spirits, strengthening us for the journey of faith. The act of breaking bread together also serves as a powerful reminder of our communal bond, not only with Christ but with one another.

Communion and Our Call to Serve

When we receive Communion, we remember Christ’s sacrifice, but we also look forward to the day when we will feast with Him in God’s kingdom. Communion nourishes us spiritually and sends us out into the world to love and serve. The liturgy reminds us: “We give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” (The United Methodist Hymnal, 1989)

Just as Jesus broke bread with His disciples before His crucifixion, calling them to love and serve, Communion is a call for us to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. This sacred meal is not meant to be an isolated ritual but a transformative experience that shapes our daily lives. We leave the Communion table empowered to feed the hungry, care for the poor, and extend the grace we have received to others.

Communion in Different Worship Settings

While Communion is often celebrated in Sunday worship services, it is also shared in other meaningful settings. Clergy and lay ministers bring Communion to homebound members, hospitals, nursing homes, and even prisons, ensuring that all who seek Christ’s presence can partake.

Many congregations also offer special Communion services on significant days such as Maundy Thursday, World Communion Sunday, and Christmas Eve. These occasions deepen our connection to the broader Christian community and the story of salvation.

Conclusion

Communion is a sacred and transformative experience in The United Methodist Church. It is a means of grace, an act of remembrance, and a call to mission. As we gather at the table, we are reminded that Christ welcomes us, feeds us, and sends us out to be His hands and feet in the world.

By approaching the Lord’s Table with gratitude and expectation, we open ourselves to the mystery of God’s love, allowing it to shape and sustain us. Whether we come burdened with struggles or filled with joy, Christ meets us in the breaking of the bread.

For more on Communion in The UMC, visit:

• This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion

• The United Methodist Hymnal

• The United Methodist Book of Worship

May we always approach the Lord’s Table with gratitude and expectation, knowing that Christ meets us there.