“While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’”
— Matthew 26: 26-28
Dear People of St. David’s,
A few weeks ago, I officiated two funerals in the same week. Both families decided that having communion was how they wanted to celebrate the life of their loved ones. During any funeral there are mostly guests in attendance—folks who are unsure of our protocols for receiving communion. I always want to give clear instructions on the choreography of communion. I tell them how they should approach the altar, what to do with their hands when the wafers are given to them, what to do when the chalice comes to them (whether to intinct or take a sip), and if they would rather not receive communion, they can always fold their arms across their chest and ask for a blessing.
I am aware that some people might come to church with prior experiences that have hurt them, caused trauma, or wounded their relationships with God. So, after I give instructions for communion, I follow up by saying, “The Episcopal Church invites all baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, to receive Holy Communion.” This is the official inclusive practice of the Episcopal Church, which is lovely. It’s something I am proud of as an Episcopalian. However, I take it a step further. I say, “Although all baptized Christians are invited to receive communion, I will not be checking baptism certificates. If you feel called to receive the Body of Christ in Holy Communion, I want you to come up.” This might feel a little controversial because I’m not strictly adhering to the official stance on communion that the Episcopal Church follows. I get it. However, I never want to serve as a barrier for people to have an experience of Jesus Christ, and if we experience Jesus through the Holy Eucharist, I want everyone to be able to experience it.
After both funerals, I spent time at the receptions, talking with family and friends of the departed. The number one thing that people wanted to talk to me about was how welcomed they felt—how they had never heard a priest invite them to the altar like that, and they wanted to thank me. They didn’t want to talk to me about the sermon (which, if you ask me, was pretty good! Haha), they wanted to talk to me about communion! My hope is that these folks had an experience of Jesus that will inspire them to become baptized, or if they are already baptized, perhaps they will want to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church (we have an Adult Confirmation/Reception class coming up! Sign up here). Maybe this will kindle a fire inside of them that will renew their relationship with God.
Here at St. David’s, our goal should be to help build our relationships with God and our neighbors’ relationships with God. Our world is very divided; there is a lot of anger, hate, violence, and greed. We need more Jesus. The love of God needs to rule our hearts, not the evil that often corrupts us. We have important work to do, both for ourselves and our neighbors, and it all begins and ends with God.
See you all in church!
Blessings,
The Rev. Thomas Szczerba
Associate Rector
Published April 3, 2025