We at Woodbrook believe strongly in the preisthood of the individual believer. We are born into the world as individuals, we choose to follow Christ as individuals, and we join with Him in death as individuals. We symbolize this individuality in the way we partake of communion.
At the same time, we believe in the community of believers, the Church. We partake of communion within a corporate worship service, and precede communion with the unison reading of the church covenant.
WHEN: The Deacons distribute the elements to the congregation, row by row. Each person partakes of the element as soon as that person is served, or after an indivdual prayer, or whenever that person as an individual chooses.
WHO:
All people who believe that Jesus is Lord are welcome to partake. Again, it is up to the individual, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to decide.
Invitation to the Table
Come to this table,
not because you must but because you may;
come not to testify that you are righteous,
but that you sincerely love our Lord Jesus Christ,
and desire to be his true disciples;
come, not because you are strong, but because you are weak;
not because you have any claim on heaven's rewards,
but because in your frailty and sin
you are in constant need of heaven's mercy and help.
Come not because you are fulfilled,
but because in your emptiness you stand in need of God’s grace and assurance.
Come not to express an opinion, but to seek the presence of God.
Come, sisters and brothers, to this table to partake and share.
It is spread for you and me
that we may again know that God has come to us,
shared our common lot,
and invited us to join the people of God’s reign.
