Leader: Communion is a very physical sacrament, and it’s supposed to be done when the community is all physically gathered together. But of course, it’s not safe for everyone to be gathered here, and we choose to worship differently as an act of love for one another. And we believe that NOTHING—neither death, nor life, nor heights, nor depths, nor anything in all creation—can keep Jesus away from us.
So even though this communion looks, feels, and even tastes different than we’re used to, it will still accomplish the same things: connecting us to one another and recognizing God’s presence among us.
Siblings in Christ, whether you are physically here in the room with me or watching worship at home on your computer; whether you have bread and grape juice or crackers and milk; whether you’re a lifelong Christian or are just beginning to explore what it means to be in relationship with this “Jesus”; whether you feel safe and at home in the world today or are questioning whether you belong—this meal is prepared for you. This is not my table; it’s not a Presbyterian table; it’s not an American table; it’s not a table for any particular race, class, sexual orientation, gender identity, or political affiliation. This is God’s table, and God says ALL are welcome. So no matter who you are, come to this table in joy and be fed by God’s goodness and love.
The Great Thanksgiving
Leader: The Lord be with you.
All: [Respond with indicated gesture—“And also with you”]
Leader: Lift up your hearts!
All: [Respond with indicated gesture—“We lift them up to the Lord”]
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All: [Respond with indicated gesture—“It is right to give our thanks and praise”]
Leader: Let us pray:
Gracious God of all times and places, we give you thanks that even in the midst of a pandemic, you are with us. We give you thanks that even as we are parted by our desire to keep one another safe, we’re united in spirit. We give you thanks that even as we bring our assorted foods to our individual tables—bread, juice, crackers, wine, cookies, milk—we are gathered together as your people in this one meal that we share.
Throughout history, your people have found themselves in exile and wilderness, unable to worship you in the ways that meant so much to them. And yet, you were there. You were with Abraham as he migrated from his homeland, you were with the enslaved Hebrew people in Egypt, you were with them in the wilderness, you were with the Israelites in exile, and you are with us even now, O Lord. Nothing, not slavery, nor exile, nor even pandemic, can separate us from your love.
Be with your people now, O God, as we gather once again, still separated by distance but united in love, to share a holy meal together. As we eat our food, remind us of Christ’s body, broken for us. As we drink from our cup, remind us of Christ’s blood, shed for us all. Fortify us for the days ahead of us, that we might never forget the bond of humanity that connects us all through your love for us. All this we pray, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying Our Father…
[Words of Institution, if not said earlier]
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Anyone is free to use this liturgy in their context with attribution.
This is wonderful!
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