In the early days of our planting this Church, somewhere around 1986, we had several people who had recently come to faith in Christ and had never attended or been engaged with a Church of any kind. Everything we did as a congregational practice was new to them. I have wonderful memories during these years of explaining why we did what we did, but it was the first time I had ever been around people that knew nothing about Church life. How we operated, how we conducted a service, how we sang songs, was all new to them. As you might remember, I personally had lots of Church background experience. There was nothing that we did that was a surprise. I grew up in Church and was well versed in “Church Life and procedure.” I didn’t give a lot of thought of what others might think of how Church is to be conducted until I came here.
So, one day I got a call from one of the new believers, a sweet lady of about 60 years old whom I had recently baptized (which also took lots of explaining!), and she asked me the question, “What am I to bring to the Church Potluck supper this coming weekend?” Now we had plenty of meals at church so it would not have been unusual to have a potluck, but I didn’t remember having any plans to have a potluck on the upcoming Sunday. So, I had to ask more questions… “What are you talking about? We don’t have plans for a potluck this Sunday.” She pressed on and said… “I heard you say that we were going to have the Lord’s Supper this coming weekend, and I need to know what kind of food dish to bring for the supper.” I made the quick connection and went on to explain the difference between a Church Potluck and a Lord’s Supper.
This coming Sunday we are studying the story of the what we call “The Lord’s Supper,” or “The Last Supper,” or “Communion.” You can find the story in Mark 14:22-26. As you prepare for worship with your Church Family I ask you to read and contemplate this story ahead of your time with the rest of us. This story is in Jesus’ last week on this earth before His crucifixion on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. They were practicing an amazing tradition of a remembrance Passover meal together, but Jesus was then transforming it all as He pointed this meal toward the New Covenant. The disciples were confused, much like my friend 40 years ago, but they grew to understand as the days ahead unbelievable connection.
When we take “Communion” in our worship service (our practice is to do this monthly) we normally attach it to the end of the service. But this Sunday IT IS the service. Now, don’t bring a potluck dish, but I ask you to bring an open heart ready to share in an observance of remembrance that has eternal impact.
See you Sunday morning.
