Communion and Calendars

Written by Anthony Douglas | 13 October 2009

In recent years it has been our custom to celebrate the Lord's Supper on a monthly basis. To my mind, this is a helpful frequency: not so often that we become dulled to the glorious truths expressed in the sacrament, nor so rare that we can forget our dependence upon Jesus' death for our redemption and future hope.

However, as most will have noticed by now, things have not been quite so predictable. We used to reserve the first Sunday in each month for Communion, but this year we've used the first, second, third and even fourth Sundays of different months for celebrating our Saviour's sacrifice.

Why the change? The answer is part of a larger policy that I've adopted in consultation with our church committee. I am keen to have every service's liturgy 'work' with the sermon for that day. Some passages call us to repentance; others spur us to action. It makes sense that the sermon's location within a service should match its message. Similarly, some passages drive us more clearly back to the gospel, and that means these are great occasions to share in the Lord's Supper as part of our response to hearing God's Word. So, last week, as we heard of Boaz redeeming Ruth and were reminded of our own redemption, it made sense to have a Communion service.

Andrew and I have planned out the rest of the year's preaching, and I've also noted the dates that are ideal for us to particularly remember the death of Christ through the Supper. I hope that by taking care in this planning, not only will our sharing together in the meal feel more natural and personal, but also I'll be able to lead us back to Christ along slightly different paths, enriching each occasion. For example, already this year we have remembered the cross from several angles: we know the world's rejection, as Jesus did at Golgotha; we've been reminded to connect with our Saviour personally, rather than merely going through the motions; we have shared together as brothers and sisters united in Christ...and that's just the beginning!

Of course, I know that for some people it isn't always easy to get to church every week, and that missing out on sharing together is a disappointment. The bulletin always publishes when the coming Sunday will be a Communion service (I know, I know...I often forget to read that bit too!). For those who would rather just mark their diaries now, the dates for the rest of the year are August 23, October 4, November 8 and December 13. And if you'd like to talk further with me about any of this, please do! I'm only too happy to hear what you think.