You are invited to the table of our Lord Jesus Christ
Here we have a feast for the people of God,
a sign of Jesus’ body and blood given in love to save us.
Everyone who has committed their lives to Jesus
is welcome to take the bread and juice
to sustain them on their journey of faith.
Everyone else, including children,
are invited to take the grapes,
which are a sign of God’s love for you.
Please take the bread and hold it, and we will eat together.
The same with the juice.
You can eat the grapes as they come to you.
On the night he was handed over,
our Lord Jesus Christ took bread,
and after giving thanks to God,
broke it and gave it to his disciples.
He said, “Take, eat;
this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
[distribute the bread]
Let’s pray together:
God of grace, we give you thanks for this bread,
and your son Jesus Christ who came to save us.
The love of Jesus shines through the years,
his death on the cross, his broken body
has become the bread of life which sustains us.
As we eat this bread,
remind us that we are part of his body,
living for him, giving for him. Amen.
My brothers and sisters……..The body of Christ, broken for you. [eat the bread]
After supper Jesus took the cup of wine;
and after giving thanks,
gave it to them and said,
“Drink this, all of you;
this is my blood of the new covenant
which is shed for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.
Whenever you drink it, remember me.
[distribute the juice]
Let us pray;
Thank you Jesus for loving us to the end of your life.
We drink this juice remembering your sacrifice for our sins,
your love which never ended,
your love which sustains us still. Amen.
My sisters and brothers…the blood of Christ was shed for you. [drink the juice]
Let’s pray together:
God of grace,
thank you for raising Jesus Christ from the dead,
our hope for life eternal.
Holy Spirit, fill us with your strength to be the body of Christ on earth,
God’s church in Laos and Los Angeles,
in Hawaii and Havana,
in Ethiopia and Edmonton,
and here in this congregation, in__________. [name of your city/town/region].
Give us strength to do the work you would have us do,
to be the people you would have us be.
And most of all, give us hope
as we wait together to see Jesus again.
Amen.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.