For centuries, the practice that has stood at the center of the Christian church is the Lord's Supper (Communion). In our particular Christian tradition, we are less familiar with the Lord's supper being called Eucharist. Eucharist comes from the Greek word "eucharisto" which means to give thanks. When Jesus instituted this practice, the author of Luke records this: "After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, 'Take this and divide it among you.'" (Luke 22:17).
Our participation in the Lord's Supper is a declaration of Thanksgiving. It makes sense to spend some time focusing on Thanksgiving in November in preparation of celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday. But more than that, we will remind each other that as people committed to the practice of Eucharist, we respond in celebration (worship), contribution (giving) and reflection (prayer).
Our participation in this Eucharist is a time to reflect on many things:
Let's proclaim together the Lord's death until he comes.
Offering our contribution isn't separate and apart from the Eucharist, it is an important extension of the communion. By extension, as we receive, we also give.
As Christ followers, we have a lot to celebrate:
In the Eucharist, we are giving thanks to God for freeing us to live in communion with God and one another.
Video courtesy The ZOE Group.