I'd like to suggest some "creeping Anglicanism" instead. Changing the name of the practice from "communion" to Eucharist underscores the deeper meaning of the meal -- giving God very good thanks! That bread and wine has been singularly framed as a commemoration of death (she's not wrong - the liturgy is gloomy). But Jesus himself offered both the bread and wine up -- as well as his entire life -- as a GIFT and a celebration of gratitude! Central to Christian experience is a never-ending, always THANKSGIVING feast. Woo-hoo! Let the party begin! (Also, the Episcopal Prayer book needs some revision on this point as well -- but the Greek is a big, big help in getting to a richer emphasis for the meal which is too often only a dirge about sin.)
The irony is that the UMC Communion liturgy states “It is a right, and good, and joyful thing” to gather around Christ’s table. As for the creeping… I’m not sure the author of the note really knows what she was actually talking about.
I suggest you correct Bro. Will’s name in first mention and spread this as widely and loudly as possible in your congregation. I mean, who does NOT need to hear the gospel truth?!?! Well done!
Imagine the Eucharist being the focal point and crux of Christian worship! Well, it kinda always was. Funny to see how Catholicism is a “boogeyman” word for some. As a Catholic convert myself, I’d rather be thought “creepy” for having a high devotion to the Sacrament of the Altar than known for not loving the Eucharistic Lord enough. We’re even crazy enough to have daily Mass, even! The nerve! Haha.
I actually had something similar in a previous congregation. I asked people to reaffirm their baptism by dipping their hands in the baptismal font and to make either a cross on their foreheads or the sign of the cross (forehead chest shoulder shoulder). You would have thought I had told this couple to swear allegiance to the Vatican. Yowsa. Same thing happened when we did stations of the cross one Lent.
I'd like to suggest some "creeping Anglicanism" instead. Changing the name of the practice from "communion" to Eucharist underscores the deeper meaning of the meal -- giving God very good thanks! That bread and wine has been singularly framed as a commemoration of death (she's not wrong - the liturgy is gloomy). But Jesus himself offered both the bread and wine up -- as well as his entire life -- as a GIFT and a celebration of gratitude! Central to Christian experience is a never-ending, always THANKSGIVING feast. Woo-hoo! Let the party begin! (Also, the Episcopal Prayer book needs some revision on this point as well -- but the Greek is a big, big help in getting to a richer emphasis for the meal which is too often only a dirge about sin.)
The irony is that the UMC Communion liturgy states “It is a right, and good, and joyful thing” to gather around Christ’s table. As for the creeping… I’m not sure the author of the note really knows what she was actually talking about.
Maybe she finds it "creepy"! lol.
I found it creepy that she repeatedly undressed me under my always flattering alb.
Ewwwwwww
Such a good reminder that Communion is always good and right so to do!
I suggest you correct Bro. Will’s name in first mention and spread this as widely and loudly as possible in your congregation. I mean, who does NOT need to hear the gospel truth?!?! Well done!
Imagine the Eucharist being the focal point and crux of Christian worship! Well, it kinda always was. Funny to see how Catholicism is a “boogeyman” word for some. As a Catholic convert myself, I’d rather be thought “creepy” for having a high devotion to the Sacrament of the Altar than known for not loving the Eucharistic Lord enough. We’re even crazy enough to have daily Mass, even! The nerve! Haha.
Creeping Catholicism... wow.
I actually had something similar in a previous congregation. I asked people to reaffirm their baptism by dipping their hands in the baptismal font and to make either a cross on their foreheads or the sign of the cross (forehead chest shoulder shoulder). You would have thought I had told this couple to swear allegiance to the Vatican. Yowsa. Same thing happened when we did stations of the cross one Lent.