On Sunday, May 18, following gathered worship we will continue congregating after the service for our quarterly covered dish lunch and members meeting. As a special addition, we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper as a church family during lunch in the fellowship hall. This is a change of routine for us, so I want to prepare us all adequately.
Background
Several weeks ago, when I was preaching about the Lord’s Supper, I noted that the early church at times incorporated the Lord’s Supper into a larger church meal, similar to how Jesus instituted the Supper over a meal in the upper room. Several references hint at eating the Supper as a church meal (See Acts 2:42, 46; 1 Cor 11:17-34; and Jude 12). At least one reference makes no mention of an accompanying meal (Acts 20:7). Either way, there is no clear, positive command, one way or the other. Since we routinely eat the Supper without a meal, I think it would be beneficial for us, on occasion, to incorporate the Supper into an all-church meal.
Planning
Here is the plan for Sunday, May 18, and how you can prepare. We will gather as normal at 10:30 for gathered worship. In addition to singing, praying, and preaching, we expect to baptize Diane Robinson that morning. After the service we will move into the fellowship hall for the covered-dish lunch. Please bring a dish or two to share (the church will not provide meat, so please bring main dishes, too). Toward the end of the meal, after everyone is served, we will observe the Supper by partaking of the bread and cup. Elements will be provided by the church and set out on each table. Following the meal we will begin the members meeting.
Preparing
Here are several things you can do to prepare for the day. First, prepare your heart to eat the supper by dwelling on Christ, confessing sins, and reconciling with others. Second, prioritize this gathering by keeping your calendar clear until after 3:00 pm that Sunday afternoon. Third, have fun planning the dishes you bring. Got a scrumptious recipe or new venture you’d like for others to try? Here is a great opportunity.
Benefits
I foresee several benefits of incorporating the Lord’s Supper as a church-wide meal. First, it will serve as a noticeable cue that we eat as the assembled church, not merely as individual believers. Second, changing up the routine gives us the opportunity to experience the Supper in a fresh way. Third, moving the Supper to accompany the members meeting is a reminder of the importance of this meeting. Let’s pray and prepare!
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas