Communion Beliefs

Communion beliefs and frequently asked questions:

Communion, also known as The Lord’s Supper and the Eucharist, is the ritual practice through which followers of Jesus Christ receive, once again, forgiveness of sins and a re-alignment with God’s will for their lives. This re-alignment (or re-justification) also serves as an opportunity to re-commit ourselves as followers of the risen Jesus Christ.

The United Methodist Church practices an open communion table, and invites all persons who wish to walk more closely with Jesus in their earthly life to come forward and receive the consecrated elements. We believe that the bread and juice (the most frequently used elements) do not become the literal body and blood of Jesus, rather they serve as representations of His body and blood and remind us of the gift of eternal life given to us through faith in His resurrection.

At First UMC, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper as a joyous occasion. We refuse to focus on the somber tone of the original Lord’s Supper and instead view it as an opportunity to make spiritual contact with the risen Jesus Christ, joyfully enlisting in his service and being re-charged for our mission of transforming the world. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper each week at each worship service. Like John Wesley, it is the belief of First UMC that renewing our connection to Christ by taking part in this most sacred of actions cannot occur too often.

The congregation is invited to come to the front of the sanctuary, as guided by the ushers, and there to receive bread and juice from one of the pastors and / or communion assistants. For those with gluten sensitivity, gluten-free wafers are provided as well. We view it as a privilege to take the communion elements to those who might not be able to walk to the front of the sanctuary.

Children are invited to receive communion alongside adults. At First UMC we believe that this practice is in keeping with Christ’s admonition to his disciples, “Let the little children come to me and do not stop them.” (Matthew 19:13, NRSV)

For more information about communion please contact the church office (303) 776-3523 and ask to speak to one of the pastors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

·         I am a member of a different church (not Methodist). Can I take communion in a United Methodist church?

Absolutely. It is the Lord’s Supper, not ours, and the invitation to come forward is from Jesus Christ (echoed in our words). We never refuse anyone who desire to walk more closely with Jesus and who wish to mark that commitment by receiving His supper. We believe that every individual should be free to choose whether or not they want to receive communion without restriction from the church! In short, whether you take communion at First UMC is between you and God.

·         I was raised to make the sign of the cross as I am taking communion. Is it OK to do that in a Methodist church?

Of course! The sign of the cross is a respectful and reverent action and is common to several different denominations. Any action which honors and respects Jesus Christ is always welcome in a worship setting.

·         Do I have to come forward and take communion if I come to worship?

No. We respect the fact that some persons may not be comfortable taking communion. This may be due to different religious beliefs, personal spiritual condition, or out of a sense of reserving it for a moment that feels very special. If you do not wish to take communion, just let the usher know and your wishes will be respected.

·         The church I grew up in used wine when they served communion. Why does First UMC use unfermented grape juice instead of wine?

We use unfermented grape juice instead of wine out of respect for our Christian sisters and brothers who have battled a dependence on alcohol.

·         The church I moved from served communion only once each month? Why does First UMC serve it so often, and don’t you think that by taking communion each week it robs it of spiritual significance?

The decision to serve the Lord’s Supper each week was made after consideration of several issues. Christian worship, as originally practiced in the years following Jesus’ death and resurrection, featured the celebration of the Lord’s Supper as the most holy moment of the week. Likewise, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, took communion almost every day, and sometimes more than once each day. His understanding was that within each person is the unspoiled image of holiness and perfection that originates with God through our creation. Our weaknesses, fears, and the sinful actions that result from them deposit (in a figurative spiritual way) layer after layer of spiritual grime on that beautiful image until it becomes almost unrecognizable. Each time we take communion, it is like washing away a small part of the grime that distorts the beauty that lies within us. The more often we take communion and reflect on God’s Grace and Jesus Christ’s love for us, the more ‘grime’ is removed and the more we come to resemble Christ alive in love in our world. For that reason taking communion can never lose its spiritual significance! At First UMC, our pastors have frequently stated that if someone thinks that taking communion too often robs it of significance it is because we, as a church, have done an inadequate job of explaining and celebrating its importance.

·         Do I need to call ahead to the church to let them know that I will be taking communion on a given Sunday?

      No. While some churches and denominations require this and use it as an opportunity to ‘examine’ believers about their worthiness to take communion, the United Methodist Church invites all who are present to come forward as the Holy Spirit leads them. Sufficient communion elements are prepared each service to provide for as many persons as God brings into the sanctuary.