The Elements of Communion

The Bread

"It is appropriate that the bread eaten in Holy Communion both look and taste like bread," This Holy Mystery clarifies. "The use of a whole loaf best signifies the unity of the church as the body of Christ and, when it is broken and shared, our fellowship in that body."

The Cup

"A single cup or chalice may be used for intinction — dipping the bread into the wine — or for drinking," This Holy Mystery also affirms. "The use of a common chalice best represents Christian unity, but individual cups are used in many congregations."

This story uses the word juice over wine because historically, United Methodists have been committed to use "the pure, unfermented juice of the grape."

"That came out of our involvement in the temperance movement in the 19th century and into the 20th century," Burton-Edwards explains. "It is also out of an ongoing concern for persons for whom alcohol may be a problem."

'Open communion'

"Ecumenically, the term 'open communion' … means that all of the baptized are welcome to receive," explains the Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, director of worship resources with Discipleship Ministries. This distinguishes our invitation from some other Christian denominations that may require additional rites before one is welcome to the table.

"United Methodists do not practice 'wide open communion,'" Burton-Edwards continues. "We are instructed to use the invitation as it appears in our ritual to make clear whom Christ does invite to his table. It is those who 'love him, earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to be at peace with one another.' While we serve all who present themselves, not questioning their integrity in response to the invitation, these are actual conditions."