This is the second of a six part series. Part one was in the July/August Evangel and published on our website.
In Baptism and at Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) we make the following promises: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
As we focus on the promises made in baptism, this month we will look at the second promise, “to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper.” A couple of weeks ago was our annual worship in the park and picnic lunch. And it was a great morning of worship with three baptisms, a great sermon by Pastor Sarah and we shared in the Lord’s supper. This for me is the epitome of complete worship, when we can hear the word proclaimed and share in both sacraments.
Our Strength
We are strengthened as Christians when we worship together. But we aren’t just strengthened by the words we speak or hear. We are strengthened also by Christ’s body and blood that we eat and drink. I have been thankful that as a congregation we have moved to weekly communion so that we can hear the word and partake in the meal each Sunday. I know that not everyone has liked this change but it’s truly part of our identity as children of God. And, God promises to meet us in both Word and Sacrament.
When we worship together it’s a little like sitting at the dining room table. It’s a chance for prayer, dialogue and a shared meal. For some, it may be that the only time they get to share a meal with others is when they gather at the Lord’s table. It may not be surprising that as families eat less meals around a table that worship attendance struggles too. If we neglect gathering with our immediate family around the dinner table, what draws us to want to gather with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the Lord’s table?
As someone living among God’s faithful people, how does living the promise “to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper” nourish you for daily living?
~ Pastor Steve