Confession Time! How often do you take Communion?

[Steadfast]

Okay folks... We all know that God told us to take communion.

We do it. I suspect most of you do it.

One question that I've always pondered in my mind is just how often others take it? We generally do it a couple times a year; once around our 'Watch Night' service and I usually do it once (unscheduled) as I feel the need in the year somewhere.

Enough?

Too much?

I await your answers!

[Steve Epley]

We do it once a year as a rule but there have been years I did it twice I felt the need to do it.

[Steadfast]

We do it once a year as a rule but there have been years I did it twice I felt the need to do it.

Great! But now let's make it harder now by allowing me to ask you this; what constitutes the 'need' as you see it to take communion again?

[Sherri]

Every "First Wednesday" service (monthly). We also have it available to take individually in our weekly Sunday morning 8 AM prayer service, if people want to go up and partake of it on their own.

[Malvaro]

once a year, twice tops....

[freeatlast]

I take it as oft as we do it. Four to six times a year I think.

[Margies3]

We have communion the first Sunday of every month at our church.

[Steadfast]

Every "First Wednesday" service (monthly). We also have it available to take individually in our weekly Sunday morning 8 AM prayer service, if people want to go up and partake of it on their own.

Wow, that's different! Work well for you?

[Margies3]

So the other question is:

What 'form' do you use? Do you do intinction, where you dunk a piece of bread that you tear off of the loaf into the cup of juice? or do you use the little wafer things? Do you use juice or wine? does it make a difference?
Do you pass it out and then hold it so that you can all partake at the same time? or do you come to the altar and take it individually?

And the biggest question of all - does Jesus really CARE how we do it or even how often? As long as we DO it, is that good enough?

[Steve Epley]

Great! But now let's make it harder now by allowing me to ask you this; what constitutes the 'need' as you see it to take communion again?

There have been times when there was division in the church and I could not preach or pray it out. There is something about communion service that makes folks examine themselves. I don't do this every little problem maybe twice in 13 years but ti has worked each time.

[HeavenlyOne]

I don't always partake, but I do it once in a while.

[Steadfast]

So the other question is:

What 'form' do you use? Do you do intinction, where you dunk a piece of bread that you tear off of the loaf into the cup of juice? or do you use the little wafer things? Do you use juice or wine? does it make a difference?
Do you pass it out and then hold it so that you can all partake at the same time? or do you come to the altar and take it individually?

And the biggest question of all - does Jesus really CARE how we do it or even how often? As long as we DO it, is that good enough?

My Bishop used grape juice but had, at one time, used wine. I thought his interpretation sounded correct and we've used grape juice... however, I think his spirit was incredible when he said, "I've taken it both ways. I've been blessed both ways. Now it's just a matter of following my beliefs and not wondering if someone can be blessed doing it the other way."

As for the bread? My wife makes our own unleavened bread. Just seems more 'personal' that way and is much more acceptable than those cardboard wafers.

:slaphappy

[Sherri]

Wow, that's different! Work well for you?
Our First Wednesday service is an Encounter service, where we just have intense times of praise & worship, usually gifts of the Spirit flowing, deep prayer for healing, Holy Ghost, etc. We don't have preaching/teaching that night. At the end, we always have communion. Sometimes it's very solemn; sometimes very joyful.

We have what we call a "Soaking Service" every Sunday AM at 8:00. It's 45 minutes of just quiet meditative worship with music playing. Some people are prostrate on the floor; some are in seats; some walking and praying. The communion trays are at the front and people can just go up individually instead of corporately and partake. Some participate; some don't. It's an awesome time in the presence of the Lord.

[Steadfast]

There have been times when there was division in the church and I could not preach or pray it out. There is something about communion service that makes folks examine themselves. I don't do this every little problem maybe twice in 13 years but ti has worked each time.

I'm amazed at how identical our replies would have been... incredible, actually. Those are the very kinds of things that make it valuable.

I would think doing it too often would take away the sacredness of it to me.

[Steve Epley]

My Bishop used grape juice but had, at one time, used wine. I thought his interpretation sounded correct and we've used grape juice... however, I think his spirit was incredible when he said, "I've taken it both ways. I've been blessed both ways. Now it's just a matter of following my beliefs and not wondering if someone can be blessed doing it the other way."

As for the bread? My wife makes our own unleavened bread. Just seems more 'personal' that way and is much more acceptable than those cardboard wafers.

:slaphappy

You are from Indiana and you are a juicier??????????????????????? Heaven help.:winkgrin

[Steadfast]

Our First Wednesday service is an Encounter service, where we just have intense times of praise & worship, usually gifts of the Spirit flowing, deep prayer for healing, Holy Ghost, etc. We don't have preaching/teaching that night. At the end, we always have communion. Sometimes it's very solemn; sometimes very joyful.

We have what we call a "Soaking Service" every Sunday AM at 8:00. It's 45 minutes of just quiet meditative worship with music playing. Some people are prostrate on the floor; some are in seats; some walking and praying. The communion trays are at the front and people can just go up individually instead of corporately and partake. Some participate; some don't. It's an awesome time in the presence of the Lord.

Again, that is very interesting...

[Steadfast]

You are from Indiana and you are a juicier??????????????????????? Heaven help.:winkgrin

:sshhh

[Sherri]

You are from Indiana and you are a juicier??????????????????????? Heaven help.:winkgrin
Bro. Epley, you use wine, right? I have always been leery of using wine because we have a lot of ex-alcoholics who don't need to taste it again in any form. Is that ever a problem?

[Steadfast]

Bro. Epley, you use wine, right? I have always been leery of using wine because we have a lot of ex-alcoholics who don't need to taste it again in any form. Is that ever a problem?

It never has in any of my experience... but I'm interested to see Bro. Epley's response.

[Steve Epley]

Bro. Epley, you use wine, right? I have always been leery of using wine because we have a lot of ex-alcoholics who don't need to taste it again in any form. Is that ever a problem?

There twice the amount of alcohol in Nyquil and communion wine. I have served communion to many ex-alcoholic and none of them ever went on an alcoholic binge after a communion service. I believe the new birth delivers them from alcohol.

[Steadfast]

There twice the amount of alcohol in Nyquil and communion wine. I have served communion to many ex-alcoholic and none of them ever went on an alcoholic binge after a communion service. I believe the new birth delivers them from alcohol.

:winkgrin

[deseret]

Fruit of the vine is Bible talk for WINE. NOT for juice.

[Sherri]

Do you think they are never tempted again? I know some who are instantly delivered, but others struggle against temptation all their lives, even filled with the Holy Ghost. I don't think the New Birth keeps you from temptation. JMHO.

[deseret]

WINE is the BIBLE way! The BIBLE way!

[ILuvFPC]

Is not grape juice fruit of the vine as well............................ :crazy

[Steadfast]

Is not grape juice fruit of the vine as well............................ :crazy

:winkgrin

[deseret]

Is not grape juice fruit of the vine as well............................ :crazy

You are probably one of those quacks that believes Jesus turned the water into juice and the people got drunk because of the sugar content!

[Brother Strange]

I insist on taking it at least once a year. I have missed regular communion which is always scheduled on Watch Night service. I then find myself so hungry for it, feeling a great need, I will call a few of my brothers around to share the elements with me, in repentance and contrition followed by a deep searching time of prayer with them. Though we do not have footwashing in our church, there have been times that I've called different ones into a private setting and washed their feet...often with tears.

[freeatlast]

if it was grape juice in the Bible, then please someone tell me how grape juice did the Corinthians drink to get get drunk and deswerve Paul's rebuke.
(answer found in 1 Cor 11:21)

Did God ever tell the Hebrews, his children to buy and enjoy fermented drink ?
(Answer found in Deut. 14:26)

If wine was grape juice in the bible why did God say, "wine and OTHER fermented drink." ??

Moderation is what is taught in the scripture concerning alcohol.
MODERATION..the most hated word amongst Pentecostal Conservatives.

[Titus2Mom]

Never. Our church only does it at the unbiblical "watch night" service, and I am not driving all the way to church (I live out in the country) amongst a bunch of drunk drivers and crazies in the wee hours. Sorry, that is past my bedtime, and my husband would have my hide!

I think the breaking of bread should really be at EVERY time of fellowship with other believers. And I have a big problem with the whole "communion" thing as I was raised catholic. But that's me :-)

[Titus2Mom]

MODERATION..the most hated word amongst Pentecostal Conservatives.

Isn't that the truth!:killinme

[Sherri]

Our ex-Catholics really want to take communion. I guess I don't understand why it affected you in that way. I mean, I understand if we were doing it in Latin or something. LOL!

[Maple Leaf]

Okay folks... We all know that God told us to take communion.

We do it. I suspect most of you do it.

One question that I've always pondered in my mind is just how often others take it? We generally do it a couple times a year; once around our 'Watch Night' service and I usually do it once (unscheduled) as I feel the need in the year somewhere.

Enough?

Too much?

I await your answers!


On a monthly basis.

I have never found that it has become common.

Personally, I would not have any objection to receiving communion every week.

[Sister Alvear]

We used to take it every month but Brother Alvear felt some of the people were not taking it serious as it should be taken so at the present the last time we had it was watch night service. He mentioned to me last week he was fixing to call a communion service. I am glad as it is a special time of remembering the great price that was paid for our salvation.
When I was single (a thousand years ago) ha... I leaned toward wine but Brother Alvear believes it should be grape juice.
Yes, and I do share the concern about people that have drinking problems as I have a sister that has had problems in the past and the doctor told my other sister she should never take communion with wine. Strange but true.
Yes, I do believe God delivers but there is always the human element involved...and we all are very much flesh...
And as someone else said I too have been blessed taking it either way. I make no fusses about it or about most things people fuss about.
I focus on what it represents…HIS precious sacrifice.

[Steadfast]

Never. Our church only does it at the unbiblical "watch night" service, and I am not driving all the way to church (I live out in the country) amongst a bunch of drunk drivers and crazies in the wee hours. Sorry, that is past my bedtime, and my husband would have my hide!

I think the breaking of bread should really be at EVERY time of fellowship with other believers. And I have a big problem with the whole "communion" thing as I was raised catholic. But that's me :-)

I sincerely have never heard this kind of reasoning before.

Along with Sherri's congregation, we have many ex-Catholics and they seem to cherish the time of communion... but in no way want it every time they have Church.

You're perspective is unique to say the least!

[Felicity]

On a monthly basis.

I have never found that it has become common.

Personally, I would not have any objection to receiving communion every week.We have communion once a month - 2nd Sunday of the month normally. We never had practiced doing it so often until we came here and at first I wondered if it would become "common" by doing it this often but it hasn't become common at all.

Instead, each month it's a wonderful time in the service to reflect on Calvary and what all was accomplished there and what that means to me personally.

[Steadfast]

I insist on taking it at least once a year. I have missed regular communion which is always scheduled on Watch Night service. I then find myself so hungry for it, feeling a great need, I will call a few of my brothers around to share the elements with me, in repentance and contrition followed by a deep searching time of prayer with them. Though we do not have footwashing in our church, there have been times that I've called different ones into a private setting and washed their feet...often with tears.

I find the footwashing service to be one of those 'forgotten' practices among most of our Churches. We used to do it on watchnight service but have started (for time restraints) to do it on other nights when the real need of footwashing can be stressed.

[Steadfast]

On a monthly basis.

I have never found that it has become common.

Personally, I would not have any objection to receiving communion every week.

We have communion once a month - 2nd Sunday of the month normally. We never had practiced doing it so often until we came here and at first I wondered if it would become "common" by doing it this often but it hasn't become common at all.

Instead, each month it's a wonderful time in the service to reflect on Calvary and what all was accomplished there and what that means to me personally.

Interesting that both of you have 'similar' communion schedules. Is that a Canadian thing?

[ReformedDave]

We have it ever Sunday morning. For those that think it becomes 'common', why don't you have preaching or singing once a month or once a year as well?

[Felicity]

Interesting that both of you have 'similar' communion schedules. Is that a Canadian thing?No, it isn't. We never practiced Communion this often before. Usually it was sporadic - a few times a year.

I like monthly better actually. :)

[Steadfast]

No, it isn't. We never practiced Communion this often before. Usually it was sporadic - a few times a year.

I like monthly better actually. :)

I often wonder if things like communion, footwashing, etc., have trends debated by regional lines. For example, communion weekly in Canada... that's what caught my attention.

[StillStanding]

FWIW, Christ Church in Nashville has communion once a month.

[Felicity]

I often wonder if things like communion, footwashing, etc., have trends debated by regional lines. For example, communion weekly in Canada... that's what caught my attention.Right. Well I think it's possible that some of the way we do church is influenced by regional culture perhaps. But even within regions culture can differ a bit.

I can only speak of course of the Atlantic District and I know that 'monthly' communion there in the UP churches would have been a rarity. The churches I attended and the churches we pastored had communion just a few times a year pretty much.

[Maple Leaf]

I often wonder if things like communion, footwashing, etc., have trends debated by regional lines. For example, communion weekly in Canada... that's what caught my attention.

The Canadian church where I spent my teen years observed communion once a month.

As much, and for as many years as I have received communion every month, I have never experienced a "common" communion service.

To stand at the foot of the cross with the emblems of Christ's suffering and death in my hands is always a tremendously moving experience. The 1 Corinthians 11 call to self examination and the Matthew 26 call to complete consecration are always a personal focus of communion for me. The Lord's table is a place of sincere heart searching repentance, and a regular renewal of the baptismal vows. We usually include anointing with oil and prayer in the communion service.

At communion I am reminded that all that stands between me and the eternal damnation I so richly deserve is the broken body and shed blood of Christ. My eyes are turned from my good deeds and aspiration to live righteously to Christ's death and resurrection, and I am reminded that He alone is my Saviour. The emblems of communion are a challenge to evangelism, to give our life for the salvation of lost souls as Christ did. Finally, at communion, the believers heart is lifted in hope of the day when we will drink it new with Christ in His Father's kingdom, and I am reminded that there are transcendent realities that define my life.

I wonder if once a month is really enough?

[Felicity]

The Canadian church where I spent my teen years observed communion once a month.

As much, and for as many years as I have received communion every month, I have never experienced a "common" communion service.

To stand at the foot of the cross with the emblems of Christ's suffering and death in my hands is always a tremendously moving experience. The 1 Corinthians 11 call to self examination and the Matthew 26 call to complete consecration are always a personal focus of communion for me. The Lord's table is a place of sincere heart searching repentance, and a regular renewal of the baptismal vows. We usually include anointing with oil and prayer in the communion service.

At communion I am reminded that all that stands between me and the eternal damnation I so richly deserve is the broken body and shed blood of Christ. My eyes are turned from my good deeds and aspiration to live righteously to Christ's death and resurrection, and I am reminded that He alone is my Saviour. The emblems of communion are a challenge to evangelism, to give our life for the salvation of lost souls as Christ did. Finally, at communion, the believers heart is lifted in hope of the day when we will drink it new with Christ in His Father's kingdom, and I am reminded that there are transcendent realities that define my life.

I wonder if once a month is really enough?Good post! :)

[Steadfast]

The Canadian church where I spent my teen years observed communion once a month.

As much, and for as many years as I have received communion every month, I have never experienced a "common" communion service.

To stand at the foot of the cross with the emblems of Christ's suffering and death in my hands is always a tremendously moving experience. The 1 Corinthians 11 call to self examination and the Matthew 26 call to complete consecration are always a personal focus of communion for me. The Lord's table is a place of sincere heart searching repentance, and a regular renewal of the baptismal vows. We usually include anointing with oil and prayer in the communion service.

At communion I am reminded that all that stands between me and the eternal damnation I so richly deserve is the broken body and shed blood of Christ. My eyes are turned from my good deeds and aspiration to live righteously to Christ's death and resurrection, and I am reminded that He alone is my Saviour. The emblems of communion are a challenge to evangelism, to give our life for the salvation of lost souls as Christ did. Finally, at communion, the believers heart is lifted in hope of the day when we will drink it new with Christ in His Father's kingdom, and I am reminded that there are transcendent realities that define my life.

I wonder if once a month is really enough?

Again, another intriguing perspective.

[MissBrattified]

Never. Our church only does it at the unbiblical "watch night" service, and I am not driving all the way to church (I live out in the country) amongst a bunch of drunk drivers and crazies in the wee hours. Sorry, that is past my bedtime, and my husband would have my hide!

I think the breaking of bread should really be at EVERY time of fellowship with other believers. And I have a big problem with the whole "communion" thing as I was raised catholic. But that's me :-)

My Grandpa was an altar boy...and he didn't quit taking communion when he was converted...what does that have to do with anything, if the Bible commands it? Don't Catholics also pray? Do you have a big problem with the whole "praying" thing, since you were raised Catholic? :coffee2

[MissBrattified]

MODERATION..the most hated word amongst Pentecostal Conservatives.

Really??? :drama

[Theresa]

once a year, twice tops....

ditto

[Truly Blessed]

We had our monthly communion yesterday. This is always a very special time in the service and yesterday was no exception. I have had Roman Catholics come into the church who find it difficult to understand why so many Protestant churches observe the Lord's Supper so infrequently.

[Brother Strange]

We do not partake of the Host which is believed by the Catholics as the literal body of Christ. We partake of the literal body of Christ by spiritually injesting his Word. Without eating his flesh and drinking his blood, we have no life in us. Drinking His blood in the spiritual sense is doing His will as represented by the fruit of the vine. The only way that we can abide in the vine which the drink represents is the DOING of his Will. His blood was given as the New Testament or his New Will.

[Truly Blessed]

We do not partake of the Host which is believed by the Catholics as the literal body of Christ. We partake of the literal body of Christ by spiritually injesting his Word. Without eating his flesh and drinking his blood, we have no life in us. Drinking His blood in the spiritual sense is doing His will as represented by the fruit of the vine. The only way that we can abide in the vine which the drink represents is the DOING of his Will. His blood was given as the New Testament or his New Will.True we don't observe communion as the RCs do, but we are told to do it as often as we do as a remembrance, and so they wonder why we don't remember more often. Personally, I think in Pentecostal circles this is due to the fact that there is a tendency to place much more emphasis upon the Spirit than we do the blood.

[Chan]

Okay folks... We all know that God told us to take communion.

We do it. I suspect most of you do it.

One question that I've always pondered in my mind is just how often others take it? We generally do it a couple times a year; once around our 'Watch Night' service and I usually do it once (unscheduled) as I feel the need in the year somewhere.

Enough?

Too much?

I await your answers!We do it the first Sunday of every month.

[Steve Epley]

This is not a doctrine however yearly does have precedent since it was instituted at the yearly Passover. Christ our Passover.