I've got questions for Pastor Ben. Today it struck me that every Presbyterian communion I've participated in, the pastor says "...proclaim the death of the Lord, until He comes again." That feels weird to me. I'd want to word it something like "...proclaim our faith in the risen Lord, until He comes again. I mean, isn't that essentially what makes Christians Christians--faith in the resurrection?So, AnnaLisa, and anyone else who is wondering, here's the skinny on Communion.
Or am I being too big-picture literal, and it's stated that way because the communion is modeled after the Last Supper, at which time resurrection hasn't happened yet?
And, a more mundane question. Is this the standard Communion wording in the Book of Order (or whichever guide it is...I get them confused), or are there a several models--kind of like the many versions of the Apostles Creed--and I just happen to have known five pastors who all chose the same one?
I don't mean to be a smarty-pants, just curious to hear the REAL answers. That is, not my partly made-up "I'm not sure whether I'm a real Presbyterian or just an uninformed, generic Christian" ones!"
The reason for the "proclaim his death until he comes again..." is because we take the "Words of Institution" directly from 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. Theologically, however, you are correct. The resurrection of Christ is what makes us unique as Christians. However, the significance of Jesus is summed up in his life, teaching, death, and resurrection, which must all be taken together for the most complete understanding of who Jesus is and what Jesus accomplished. But saying all that every time just gets wordy.
There is a standard communion service contained in the Book of Common Worship. The BOCW is not an actual "you have to do it this way" book, but it contains language and services that are deemed to be in keeping with our reformed tradition and theology. Most pastors are too lazy/uncreative to use anything else. I fink there might actually be a couple of service options in there, but again the lazy/creativity factor comes in.
I actually use more of a free-form style in my communion liturgies. The only "have tos" for Presbyterians are the words of institution (bread = body, juice = blood) done by an ordained minister or other duly designated person (ie. commissioned lay pastor). I've also adapted a couple communion liturgies from the Wild Goose peeps in Scotland and one or two from some random Episcopalians and Lutherans. Or I just make up the invite and the prayers.
Thanks, Ben! That definitely answers my questions.
ReplyDeleteI like what you're telling me, that there is an accepted standard that isn't actually a dictate. It's a nice balance. In a sense having a standard unifies each individual congregation with the larger church (at least among the denomination) but not requiring it also recognizes our individuality and our individual responsibility.
P.S. Don't know whether you know one of my current pastors, Kim Wagner. She spent a few weeks at Iona this past May. She kept a blog during the experience--it's worth reading. First entry here: http://theviewfromdownhere1.blogspot.com/2011/05/packing-up.html
Oh, and pardon my missing closing quotation mark in the first part of my question. (D'oh!) Consider my wrist slapped!
ReplyDeleteI do know Kim, I'll check out her blog.
ReplyDeleteAnd if anyone is nerdy enough to look it up, the instructions for the Lord's Supper are in the Book of Order, W-3.3609-3.3619. There's a whole bunch of text that offers suggestions, but really makes the point that congregations should celebrate in a way that is authentic to who they are.
I include myself in this indictment: Most Presbyterians aren't too expressive or creative in worship. We should change that!
I think you slowly and surely are . :)
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