On the Theology of Celebrating Communion Virtually During a Time of Crisis
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
The office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA, has given sessions the authority to celebrate communion online. The GA recognizes that this is an extraordinary measure but these are extraordinary times. In early March of this year, the GA had opposed virtual communion, but recognizing the severity of the situation and people’s need for communion with Christ decided that this called for a change that would allow churches to celebrate the Lord’s Supper online. As Rick Jones, head of the Office of Communications of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA, has written in an “Advisory Opinion Communion in an Emergency/Pandemic”:
In emergency circumstances there may be situations in which the pastoral needs of that moment require that the church take actions that run contrary to normal practice. During an emergency or a pandemic in which the church is unable to gather or advised not to gather in person for reasons of public health, a congregation’s session may determine that this includes observing communion online.
The Presbyterian Church wants to stress that this is not a permanent departure from the customary practice of meeting in person on the Lord’s Day for proclaiming the Word of God, prayers and administration of the sacraments, for we are the body of Christ and are reminded of this when we hear the words of Christ:
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. (Matthew 18.20)
However, as the OGA has said, Christ presence spans continents, times and heaven and earth:
When we gather at the Lord’s Supper the Spirit draws us into Christ’s presence and unites with the Church in every time and place. We join with all the faithful in heaven and on earth in offering thanksgiving to the triune God. We reaffirm the promises of our baptism and recommit ourselves to love and serve God, one another, and our neighbors in the world.
We remember this when we celebrate communion on World Communion Day in October, for on that day we rejoice in the fact that Christians across the globe are celebrating the Lord’s supper. We may not be together physically but we are joined in spirit. We pray that that Spirit is with us also when we celebrate communion online.
As per our practice during the Lords’ Supper we will be adhering to our teachings and that of all reformed churches. Hence our communion will be accompanied by reading and proclamation of the Word of God, confession of sin and the words of institution at the Lords’ Supper (see First Corinthians 11: 23 – 24)
The minister will break bread and raise the cup in sight of the people while you are asked to bring your own bread and cup to wherever you worship online at home.
You will be invited to consume the bread or bread substitute and drink the cup when the minister does so, again doing it in remembrance of what Jesus has done for us. We are meeting in faith and so we are confident that Christ is with us and that, as we partake, we also are joined with Christ and with one another.
Blessings and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Guidance for Celebrating Communion Virtually
Celebration of Communion is a sacrament of the church. After a lengthy discussion, the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Haverhill voted to approve celebrating communion on the first Sunday of each month using the Zoom meeting platform as long as necessary.
This section is intended to help you prepare for this sacrament. Our hope is that this answers most of your questions.
Q. Is there a live service at the church?
A. Yes, at the present time we have both in church as well as a Zoom service.
Q. When will the Communion service begin?
A. The service will begin at 10:30, as always. “Doors” will open at 10:00.
Q. How do I join in?
A. Using your favorite digital device, be it PC, laptop, smart phone, notepad, etc, follow this link on your browser: or copy and paste: Sunday Morning Worship or copy and paste: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84785618079
Once connected, you will be asked to launch a link. Tap the Open link button, and you will be brought to the meeting. This sometimes takes a minute or two to load. Be patient. Once arrived, the host will admit you to the meeting.
Q. How can I follow along?
A. An Order of Worship will be emailed in advance and is also available on the home page of the church website. We suggest you print a copy. You will also be able to follow along on your screen.
Q. Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
A. You will need to prepare your own bread and cup.
Q. What if I don’t have any bread or grape juice? Do I need to go to the store to get some?
A. While bread and grape juice are served during a traditional worship service; you do not have to have grape juice or any special bread. According to our Book of Order, “The bread and cup are shared in the manner most appropriate to the occasion.” The occasion here is a global emergency. If you don’t have bread, you may substitute with a roll or even a cookie. If you don’t have grape juice, substitute with orange juice, water, milk, and yes, even wine.
Please do not go to the store just to get bread and grape juice!
Q. What if I feel kind of strange celebrating communion on-line?
A. Communion is always an invitation, and always a private decision. You are never required or expected to accept the invitation.
Q. What if I don’t want everybody to know whether or not I’m accepting the invitation?
A. No worries! You will have the option of turning off your video, you can turn it back on whenever you wish or remain in audio feed only.
Q. What else do I need to know?
A. While the host has the ability to mute and unmute your microphone, it is preferable for you to do this yourself. Once the service begins recording, we ask you to please mute yourself. Be aware that Zoom automatically switches to wherever the sound is coming from. Even shuffling papers is enough to draw attention to you.
Q. I still have questions. What should I do?
A. You may direct your questions to any of the Ruling Elders.