This past Sunday, the church who we gather with verbally opened the communion table for some all to partake, for some all to experience the love and acceptance of Jesus through the elements—at his table, sharing his meal.
So I, too, dined. (click if you don’t know the back-story…)
It was refreshing.
Tags: Acceptance, church, Communion, Eucharist, God, grace, inclusion, Jesus, Lord's supper, love, meal, Table
This entry was posted by Jeromy Johnson
on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 6:00 am and is filed under Jesus, Kingdom of God, blessing, church, grace, love, missional, theology.
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About The Author
I live in Folsom, CA, with my wife, Jennifer, and three kids. I am surrounded by and cared for deeply by some great friends. Their love for me is truly a moonlit reflection of Papa's love, and for that, I am deeply blessed and grateful.
Wow. I hadn’t read your earlier post before. Thanks for posting the back story link. To be honest, I don’t know how I feel. I do know, that if an unbeliever were to partake at the table…it would make them come face to face with the most visible, physical and powerful symbol of Christ’s redemptive love that we as Christ followers could provide them. Is that such a bad thing?
Jeromy ~ Thanks again for posting your back story. It pains me to know that a lot is decided about worthiness by humans and that such judgment creates an environment where we do not welcome some to the table of Jesus Christ. My church used to have closed communion as well. A person that I know wrote a great article one time about Luke 15 in which she said that in today’s economy, the value of the one is often decided by the ninety-nine. In many cases, that is true - but very sad.
I rejoice at the hearing of your news!!
Mike: And Jesus left the ninety-nine looking to restore the one. I do not have ONE shadow of doubt that Jesus would open his table to all. But I may be wrong…
Writetools: In my opinion, nope. It could be a very redeeming and restoring thing.
Jeromy-
Awesome story. Is the community you currently attend the same one that you were attending in the back-story you linked to? If so….well, I’ll say more after I know
In any event, that is great, praise God! When we first met I think you asked me why I am Methodist. I believe I told you a story about communion, didnt I? I’m glad I am not the only one that thinks like me (lol)
peace,
Chad
Yes it is. But it was a different pastor who led communion, and the message was geared towards God’s embrace of all.
Yes you did. It was a very encouraging story. Again, I didn’t know much about the Methodist church short of a friend of mine who used to attend one.
Continue on…