A Seat at the Table: Communion and Community
My first experience with communion was at a small church, one with a tight-knit community. I wasn’t part of that community yet. I hadn’t been to church in years.
Exploring my faith by reading the Bible had suddenly turned into me standing before the pews, surrounded by verses and paintings of Jesus. The church was rather empty. I was early- I was anxious. Should I leave? Am I good enough to be here? Even though I’d given up on God in the past?
Finally, I was broken out of my nervous spiral by a kind-looking woman, who I later learned to be the pastor. She invited me to take a seat as we waited for the rest of the congregation.
There are many things I could say about the first service I attended in years. But after it was over, and my heart felt warmer, we were invited to take communion. As we each took the wafer and juice, I felt an incredible sense of togetherness. We had all gathered on that day to praise the Lord, and we were all doing so regardless of where we came from or where we would go afterward. There was no judgment, no tension; just a group of people who have the same faith, sharing a moment in His name.
In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul writes: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”
Paul emphasizes its significance as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice. He then tells Christians to partake in a manner worthy of its meaning, which includes self-examination before taking communion:
“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28)
The fact that it was my first time taking communion made it so insightful. Being surrounded by a group of people I didn’t know, yet somehow felt safe with, partaking in the body and blood of Christ to praise Him.
After the service had ended, I had an opportunity to speak with the pastor. She told me she could tell I was anxious, and she prayed so genuinely over my worries that I almost cried. Paul’s guidance reinforces to us that communal worship should reflect love, unity, and overall, respect for one another. I had gone from feeling frightened and guilty to being comfortable and thriving in the new environment.
We must remind ourselves about these sorts of moments; the pivotal moments in our journeys to God, and the importance of community under Him. He grants an incredible space for Christians to celebrate His love genuinely. This includes both equality and diversity in the congregation, we are all human, we should be different, and we can honor God in our own ways- together.
Communion is about community, transcending any social barriers, creating real connections with ourselves, the people around us, and ultimately God. Having a Christian space where there is no judgment or hierarchy is essential. We are all equal in the eyes of God!
Next time you’re praying with someone, at a Bible study, or church, feel grateful for the community you have. And here’s a challenge: go out of your comfort zone and talk to someone new. You never know if they could help you learn about God- we should be close with our fellow Christians and united in His name.