Dear Highlands family,
Last week, we wrapped up our sermon series entitled “At the Table” where we explored the various meals Jesus eats throughout the Gospel of Luke. During this sermon series, we tried an experiment – we adjusted our practice of observing the Lord’s Supper by having weekly walking Communion. Our goal for this experiment was for the Lord’s Supper to be a highlight of our worship services where the heart of the Gospel is remembered in a unique way. Now that we have wrapped up our series, we want to gratefully acknowledge how this experiment helped us to remember the Gospel and gave our congregation an opportunity to serve one another.
Remembering the Gospel
We heard testimonies from many servers, as well as those being served, that the walking Communion was a significant and powerful experience. Specifically, we heard from many people that it was very moving to look into another person’s eyes and to either say or hear the words, “Christ’s body was broken for you” and “Christ’s blood was shed for you.” Just as the Emmaus disciples’ eyes were opened in the breaking of bread, walking communion helped us to remember the living Christ in a unique way.
“Our goal for this experiment was for the Lord’s Supper to be a highlight of our worship services where the heart of the Gospel is remembered in a unique way
Serving One Another
This experiment was made possible through the sacrificial and generous gift of time by 87 volunteers. These volunteers baked bread, poured juice, and served their fellow brothers and sisters during worship gatherings; many did so for multiple services and for multiple weeks. Thank you to each of you who stepped up to contribute to make this experience possible for our church family! And a special thanks to our staff member, Jenn Holstine, who played an incredible role in organizing and coordinating this wonderful team!
As we start our new sermon series this Sunday, we will adjust to having monthly walking Communion on the first Sunday of the month (our next Communion will be December 7). We will also consider if there may be an opportunity in the future to increase the frequency of Communion to a weekly basis in a sustainable way based on the size of our congregation and the large number of volunteers needed to make this possible.
We are grateful to be a part of a church that is learning and growing in the grace of the Gospel together!