I have just started attending a methodist church. I am new and feel a litte in the dark. Do you have to be baptised to take communion? What is it? How is it done? When should one become baptised if it is not done at birth?
2006-12-17 08:39:08 · 5 answers · asked by Carolee B 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
See: http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=16&mid=1244
2006-12-17 08:44:14 · answer #1 · answered by limemountain 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As an Anglican, we receive Communion each week. Some churches have Communion at Easter & Christmas only.
I don't know anything about the Methodist Church but in the Anglican Church, anyone who is Baptized (as a baby) is welcome to receive the Lords' Supper. Talk to your Minister at your Church for further guidance.
At my friend's Church (R.C.), I am NOT welcome to receive because I was not baptized in the R.C.C. and yet, I fully understand what the Eucharist is all about.
Each church has their own version of the Eucharist.
As an Anglican, I kneel at the alter, hands are crossed, the wafer administered by the Rector and receive the Chalice (I also administer the Chalice, never the wafer), and some people do the Chalic differently: They intinct (put the wafer into the chalice which contains the real wine), others touch the Chalice (SARS outbreak scare from a few years ago), and some, like me, sip the Wine and it is wiped cleaned with a linen cloth.
Once you start to receive God's Life, if you will, you'll find an enjoyment in your walk with Him more & more uplifting. I've had encounters at the alter after receiving that no words can describe. I still remember vividly my first Communion after I was Confirmed by the Bishop. In fact, I have been Confirmed twice. 2nd time is considered Re-affirmation of my Baptismal vows.
2006-12-17 08:51:52 · answer #2 · answered by kidlet_animal_luv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You do NOT have to be baptized to take communion. Communion is partaking of a ritual in your church that connects you with Jesus. Your pastor/whatever should explain before everything is passed out. One should become baptized when one is personally ready to announce to the "world" that they are a Christian. I was baptized at age 12, and my communion consists of eating a small piece of unsalted cracker (symbolizing the broken body of Jesus) and a sip of cranberry/grape juice (the blood of Jesus). I have heard that the "rituals" differ with each church and form of Christianity, so I don't know if this will help.
2006-12-17 08:58:44 · answer #3 · answered by Lara W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few ways that churches share Communion so it might be best to visit with the pastor so they can help you fell most comfortable with the procedure.
However, Communion is reserved for those who have faith in and a relationship with Jesus Christ. Baptism is not required but the relationship is. Again, this would be a good thing to discuss with the pastor.
I'd love to visit with you more about this if you are interested!
2006-12-17 08:45:20 · answer #4 · answered by Mark C 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you take the "bread" and the "wine" then pass the bowl, it symbolizes the body and blood of christ, and you can become baptized at any time. Just talk to the preacher.
2006-12-17 08:42:18 · answer #5 · answered by Heck if I know! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋