Communion liturgy is part of worship every Sunday during the 9:00 AM service.
Communion is also offered on the first Sunday of the month at 10:30 AM.
For those who wish to partake of communion every week, blessed
“all-in-one” packages will also be available in a basket at the chancel rail to
pick up any time before or after worship.
In order that all people in worship are welcome to partake of communion as one body sharing one loaf, all St. Paul’s communion bread is now gluten-free.
A Message from Rev. Dr. Patricia Allen,
Former senior pastor of St. Paul's, retired.
February 9, 2023
Communion is one of two sacraments recognized in The United Methodist Church.
It is considered a means of grace:
A way in which God works, through reminding us of our connection to Christ and each other.
A way in which Christ offers forgiveness and hope.
A way in which we are invited to be part of God’s Kingdom's wholeness.
It is all these things, and so much more than a piece of bread and the taste of grape juice.
We sometimes forget the sacredness, instead focusing on the ritualistic opportunity. We know what we like, and are quite certain of what we don’t.
However, the communion table is one of the places where the playing field for all of us is leveled. All of the distinguishing factors that tend to give us oneupsmanship are stripped away. We all come to the sacred table in all of our imperfectness, looking to find a space to belong.
At St. Paul's, we honor the open table that stretches beyond our individual comfort zones. ALL are welcome. Providing one gluten free loaf from which all will partake and offering one cup is just one of the ways we keep this sacred table open.
Our previous "St. Paul's bread" recipe is still available for you to bake at home, but it and many other bread recipes doesn't necessarily adapt to gluten-free flour easily. As we continue to perfect our bread offerings, don’t get so hung up on the taste of bread that you miss the opportunity to taste and see the goodness of the Lord the bread represents.
~Pastor Pat
You can download the original "St. Paul's Communion Bread" recipe by clicking HERE.
Want to read more about Communion and the beliefs of The United Methodist Church? Check out the article found at this link: https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-holy-communion-in-the-united-methodist-church