Sermon Texts: Ephesians 4:1-6 (NRSV) and John 6:24-35 (The Message)
Sermon Excerpt
Some people like to watch birds. Other people like to watch the water. Still others like to watch television or computer screens. I like to watch people. It is a habit I carry with me wherever I go, including here in our sacred space.
I should, perhaps, begin with a word of thanks to the person or people who chose to place the pastor’s chair in two different but equally wonderful people watching positions over the course of the year. From my seat I can see so much.
I try to find the liturgist and to get to my seat as soon as our musicians begin playing each Sunday. I do my best to not only scan the pews, but to visually welcome each worshipper. And, typically as I am doing so others are arriving.
While there is no wrong time to arrive, the later you come the more likely it is I will observe your entry. In fact, I can recall a number of late arrivers in each of the congregations I served. One man, however, was different from the rest.
The first time I noticed this man he came into the sanctuary fifteen or more minutes into the service. I saw him exit during the last hymn. When I looked for him the following week and the week after, he was nowhere to be found.
He did, however, come back. Each time he came he was the last person to enter the sanctuary and one of the first to leave. He wasn’t a member, and didn’t leave his name or contact information on the fellowship pad.
I was determined to meet this mystery man. One Sunday when he was present I left the chancel well before the final hymn and went to the side door where I knew he would exit. I greeted him and stepped outside to extend our conversation and to get to know something of this man.
It turned out that he was an irregular visitor to our church and a few others. He chose to attend worship somewhere once each month in order to receive the monthly meal. The Communion experience was a central part of his identity as a follower of the Way of Jesus. It was the spiritual food that empowered him for the journey of faith and the journey of life for the month ahead.
As you got ready for church this morning many of you came expecting to receive a monthly meal, but few, if any, of you came today exclusively because the table would be set.
In a few minutes, you will have an opportunity to partake of the sacrament we often call Communion or Holy Communion, and one that others call the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist. You will not be forced to participate, but you will be invited to and welcomed at the table.
So, I wonder, why do you take Communion? Is it just because it happens to be offered or do you have other reasons?
A few years ago, a group of Christian bloggers were asked to answer this question in 100 words or less. While I re-read . . . (read manuscript or watch video)
So What?
Most Protestants count Communion (or Lord’s Supper or Eucharist) as one of two sacraments (or ordinances). Most congregations celebrate Communion at a regular interval. In the case of the congregation I currently serve, Communion is celebrated monthly on the first Sunday of the month. While the calendar helps determine when people have an opportunity to take Communion it is essential that each person answer the question “why?”. With this in mind I invite you to answer the question “Why do you take Communion” in 100 words or less.