Showing Up

In the Gospels, Jesus invites us to "take and eat" as he shares the bread, representing his body which is broken for us . . . and then to drink from the cup of the New Covenant  that He has established for us.  The passage from 1 Corinthians that follows is the earliest record we have in regard to how this celebration was reenacted by the first followers of Jesus as they gathered together.

1 Corinthians 11 (TNIV)

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

The sermon talks about the importance of not only actually "showing up" and being fully present, but also about what it means to chew and savor what is shared in the emblems of the Lord's Supper.  Here are some thoughts for further reflection on what it might be to "show up" and to "chew our food."

I am present when . . .

Chewing before I swallow . . .

If you would like to pursue some of the ideas here further, here are some additional resources you might want to check into:

Ellen White.  The Desire of Ages.  Review & Herald Publishing Co.  Chapters 71-72.

Peterson, Eugene.  Eat This Book.  Eerdmans Publishing Co.  2006.

Gallagher, Nora.  The Sacred Meal.  Thomas Nelson Publishers.  2009.

Showing UpIn many of the churches I have been involved in over the years, the days that were set aside for celebrating communion we often those that had the lowest attendance.  There are probably a variety of reasons for why people sometimes feel uncomfortable and at times avoid the service.  For some it may have to do with feelings of insecurity in their relationship with God, thinking that somehow they don't qualify for participation.  For others whose spiritual lives focus mainly on information to be processed in the left side of their brains, taking part in the rich symbols and re-enacted old but cherished memories, doesn't feel as comfortable as listening to a presentation of a 5 point outline.

But even for those who are regular attenders at Communion Services, even among those that come," one might wonder how many actually "show up," and how many, though they are physically present, in many other ways are a million miles away?  In a culture that is shaped by fast food and meals hurriedly eaten while you are focused on something else, for those who "take" and "eat" the bread and juice, one might wonder how many really are impacted by the emblems their hands hold, their tongues taste, their teeth chew, and their bodies absorb into themselves?   How much gets swallowed whole, or simply passes on through us without really being digested and absorbed?

During the Christmas holidays, families and friends gather around abundantly laden tables to celebrate the most amazing gift ever given - Emmanuel "God with us."  It is somehow fitting that on New Year's Day that we gather around another table that is also all about abundance and same amazing Gift, sharing the meal together, and allowing that gift in all of its amazing richness to nourish us and become a part of us.  That's what Pastor Ken invites us to reflect upon as we celebrate communion together on the first day of this New Year.  If you would like to listen to the sermon again, or perhaps here it for the first time, you can access our sermon library by clicking here.     * sermons are generally uploaded and available within 24 hours.