Continuous Communion – What do you think?
Since November’s Congregation Council meeting, the Council has been discussing the recent change to the way we do Holy Communion at the Communion rail. At its last meeting the Council asked that more in the congregation become involved in the discussion and thought that an on-line conversation about it would be helpful. So, here it is. What do you think about our recent practice of continuous communion where we do not have people kneel together at once as a group, or “table?”
Here are some of the thoughts about it so far:
1. Time spent in worship is an issue for some, and continuous communion is very efficient, saving about five minutes.
2. Some like the slowness, solemnity and feeling of community with kneeling and being dismissed as a group.
3. Some do not mind the continuous nature of communing by intinction, but are not comfortable with it when we do it at the communion rail, while others are not comfortable with either form of continuous communion.
4. I like the way continuous communion includes the whole community in one non-stop movement.
5. In light of #4 and #2, some have pointed out that continuous communion might actually do more to emphasize the individual rather than the community.
6. There have been some awkward moments with continuous communion initially. This may subside as we practice it more, or it may not.
7. Some have pointed out that our stairs add to the awkwardness of practicing continuous communion, that it would work more smoothly if we did not need to navigate them.
8. Some have wondered what all the hurry is for.
This issue will be discussed again at our March Congregation Council meeting. The Council and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
I have to say I agree with Dorothy regarding the time factor. To me Communion is too important to have to hurry through it to save a few minutes. I should think it is also quite disorganized for those distributing Communion as well.
I too would ask “what is the hurry?”. It would seem that communion at the head of the aisle, as it is currently done functions smoothlyand should satisfy the ‘need for speed’ while allowing for at least a bit of reflective contemplation regarding the actual purpose. Additionally, I am one of an increasing number of members with permanant physical injuries/impairments who desire to participate as normally as possible with the congregation in this significant rite, which completion at the head of the asile via intinction allows for all but the most extremely disabled. The steps, carrying the vessel and maneuvering around others at the railing can be tricky and confusing.
I find the contintious communion at the rail less formal and more personal and intimate. It’s not really a big thing either way for me.
We at Good Shepherd in Peshtigo have partaken communion in various ways as a congregation. We have communion by intinction, continuously, with home-made bread, and around a “kitchen table” with a bottle of wine. These for me act as a reminder that it is not the elements or ritual that are the communion, but the presence of Christ who comes to us. He is there in the bread or wine when we gather in his name, however that may be.