Sweet Communion

Today's church service was held at our home, and we enjoyed sweet communion with our friends. I always love it when church is here!

After today's teaching in Ephesians 4, we gathered in our kitchen, and Tom shared the meaning of the bread and grape juice, taken from I Corinthians 11:24-26.

"And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come."

Hannah usually bakes the one loaf for our communion; I normally prepare the cups and the pitcher of grape juice; and Tom offers the bread and cup to each head of the household present, who then shares with their own family. We sing a hymn together before partaking of the main meal and a time of afternoon fellowship.

Whenever one family is missing (as was the case today because of sickness), we feel a real sense of loss and look forward to the time when we can reunite with them again.

~Deb

Comments

[Islandsparrow]

A very meaningful time to share with family and friends.

[Melissa]

I find your home services very interesting. I was just wondering, however, if you put yeast in the bread? Thanks! :)

[Tom G]

Hi, Melissa,

Thank you for your question. The elders actually considered the question of whether the bread should be unleavened. We agree with this statement by Steve Atkerson of NTRF:

"The Jews ate unleavened bread in the Passover meal to symbolize the quickness with which God brought them out of Egypt. Jesus used unleavened bread in the original Last Supper. Nothing is said in the New Testament, however, about Gentile churches using unleavened bread in the Lord’s Supper. Though sometimes in the New Testament yeast is associated with evil (1Co 5:6-8), it is also used to represent God’s kingdom (Mt 13:33)! As we see it, this is a matter of freedom."

Hope that helps!

[Anonymous (mother of two little ones)]

How did your group come to meet in one another's homes for your Sunday service? I don't want to "forsake the fellowship", but I also have no desire to part with my little ones on Sunday morning. A day of rest and rememberance is not really that way when going to a 10:00am service with two little ones; rather, it is one of frazzeled frustration both emotionally and spiritually.

[Deb]

Hi Mom of 2: I've sent you a personal email describing our journey just a bit. You can also click on a couple of the links on the left sidebar: National Center for Family- Integrated Churches for churches in your state and also The New Testament Restoration Foundation. Hope this helps.

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

That's so neat, Deb. Does your church always meet in homes? I love that. That's the way the early Christians did it. Hope your friends are well again soon.

[Anonymous (mother of two little ones)]

I'm sorry, I must not have noticed a reply in my in box as I don't recall seeing an e-mail from you about your journey. I am quite interested in it. (: If you get the chance, I would like to hear it...again. (: I really am sorry that I didn't see the first one you sent. I will check out those sites on your page that you suggested though. Thank you for making the time to reply to my inquiry. (: Have a wonderful day and remember to pray always. Thank you. Sincerely, (: (mommy of two little ones)

[Melissa]

Thanks for your reply. I have never really thought it was a major issue, but I know some Christians who do. Therefore, the curiosity. :)