How we gather for Communion
After what is called the 'Offertory' Hymn* everyone is invited to gather around the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer. This is unusual, and we have been doing it for many years. We think it really underlines our being 'the Body of Christ' and it has the effect of turning 'what's done up there' to something we all participate in.
The 'Celebrant' (that's the priest who is presiding that day) invites everyone forward. We leave our seats and gather around the altar, sometimes several rows deep. The diagram below shows what is meant to happen.
All Christian people are invited to receive communion, or, if they prefer, a blessing; and everyone is invited to join the gathering.
* Offertory Hymn: it is the hymn during which a collection is taken and the Bread and Wine (being 'offered') are brought up to the altar. The money given and the Bread and Wine are symbolically offered as expressions of offering ourselves to the One who, we believe, made us.
If you would like to find out more, please ask. We will be glad to try and help.
“Christians are not distinguished by their political views, or moral decisions, or habitual conduct, or personal piety, or, least of all,
by their churchly activities. Christians are distinguished by
their radical esteem for the Incarnation” William Stringfellow