Last week we looked at the variety of ways in which Christians have talked about what if anything spiritually happens at the table. This we will spend some time looking at the particularities of the PCUSA as regards the Lord's Supper.
How often may we come to the table? The Reformed Tradition (of which we are a part) has always struggled with this question. Our constitution (the PCUSA Book of Order) allows a church to celebrate communion as often as the elders approve…though it must be observed at least quarterly. Here at FPCB we celebrate it every week at 8:30 and once a month at 10:00.
Who may come to the table? According to our constitution the table is open to any who have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is welcome. Thus it does not matter in which church or by what manner a person was baptized, only that baptism has taken place. Currently there is a task force within the PCUSA which is examining whether or not the table ought to be open to all persons regardless of baptism. This also means that children can partake of baptism when their parents believe they are ready.
When can the Lord's Supper be celebrated? Communion can be celebrated whenever it is authorized by a council of the church. This means that a pastor, elder or deacon cannot suddenly decide to offer communion whenever they so choose. The intent of this authorization is to insure that the meal is conducted in an appropriate manner. Each year the session (the elder board) of FPCB authorizes communion for Sunday mornings as well as for special occasions (such as Maundy Thursday). Communion can be taken to shut-ins (with session approval) in a timely manner after communion has been offered to the whole congregation.
Who can preside at the table? Our constitution requires that either a Teaching Elder (a minister) or a Ruling Elder (an elder elected by the congregation who has been trained and approved by presbytery) preside at the table. The purpose of restricting who may preside is not because there is anything inherently holy about these individuals. Instead, once again, it is to insure that what takes place at the table is done decently and in order.
Who may serve communion? Anyone authorized by the session may serve communion. While it is customary for Ruling Elders and Deacons to serve, the session may authorize any other members of the church to serve.
Are there special words that must be said at the table? The answer is no, there are no special words that must be spoken at the table. There are however elements which must be present. These include an invitation to the table; a prayer which includes thanks to God, a recitation of God's saving act in Jesus and a calling upon the Holy Spirit to be present; the words of institution over the breaking of the Bread and the presentation of the Cup; the Lord's Prayer; and the offering of bread and cup to all baptized persons present.
Are there other special requirements about the Lord's Supper? Yes, one of the most important is that communion ought never to be offered without being associated with the Word (preferably by reading and expounding on scripture). We do this because we believe communion in and of itself has no "power." It is intended to help build upon the Word of God read and preached.
Is there any special way in which the elements must be served? No, the elements may be served with people coming forward, to persons in the pews, around tables or in any manner which the session approves.
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