Pastor Ted Wardlaw describes a communion service...
Illustration
Pastor Ted Wardlaw describes a communion service he held a number of years ago in Atlanta. On that particular Sunday the communion elements were to be received by intinction, during which individuals would take a piece of bread and dip it in the cup before communing. Usually words such as "the body of Christ" or "the cup of salvation" were used as each person received the elements. Before the service began one of the elders suggested using the apostle Paul's word "Rejoice!" as a preface to the customary phrases. He added that all too often people come forward as though they were about to drink hemlock.
The leaders of worship agreed to use the word "Rejoice!" before saying the other phrases. Pastor Wardlaw realized that many in his congregation were hurting and as the words were said, "Rejoice, Allan… Rejoice, Mary..." he could see through the smiles and the tears what a positive effect this simple word was having on each one.
The leaders of worship agreed to use the word "Rejoice!" before saying the other phrases. Pastor Wardlaw realized that many in his congregation were hurting and as the words were said, "Rejoice, Allan… Rejoice, Mary..." he could see through the smiles and the tears what a positive effect this simple word was having on each one.
