Feb. 28, 2012

Luke 22: 19-20

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

As a pastor, there are many meaningful aspects of the Christian faith. Near the top of the list is the Sacrament of Communion.

As Rick and I planned our wedding, we decided our first “act” as a married couple would be serving Communion during our wedding service. With our closest family and friends in attendance, we invited those who wanted to share in this Holy Sacrament to join us.

To make this even more special way, I asked our mothers to help with the preparation. Growing up, my Mom canned lots of grape juice and I asked her to provide a jar. Likewise, I asked Rick’s Mom to bake a loaf of homemade bread. My Mom offered her Mom’s silver dishes. This was great!

It was the morning of our wedding. One of the first things I did upon arrival at the church was to set-up Communion. I put the carefully polished dishes on the altar. Out of a blue Mason jar, I filled the pitcher with my Mom’s homemade juice. All we needed was the bread. I was confident Rick’s Mom, Ersel, would bring the bread.

About 10 minutes before the service began, my sister Denise came into the kitchen and asked about the bread. I sent her to Ersel. Barely a minute later, Denise returned with a little exasperated look on her face. Ersel had forgotten the bread. Worse yet, she had not only forgotten the bread; she’ forgotten to bake the bread.

Fortunately, Denise had brought a couple ham sandwiches for her kids. The buns were small. They had butter on them. But they would do. The little village of North Freedom did not have a grocery or convenience store. The closest store was eight miles away and the service was soon to begin.

During Communion, we carefully rationed the bread so we had enough. Ersel was very apologetic after the service. How could have she forgotten? Things happen. After that, I kept a loaf of bread in the freezer at church in case there wasn’t bread on a Sunday morning.

“Do this in remembrance of me,” Jesus said. That’s why we celebrate Communion. As I fondly remember the missing loaf of bread from my wedding, I pray that I remember each time I serve and receive Communion how special this meal is. Jesus taught the disciples to remember. This weekend, as we celebrate the meal during worship, I pray we remember why we celebrate this meal.

Let us pray: He joins us here; He breaks the bread. The Lord who pours the cup is risen from the dead. The one we love the most is now our gracious host: Come, take the bread; come, drink the wine; come share the Lord. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne