GUIDELINES FOR
COMMUNION MINISTERS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND
Introduction
Holy Communion is one of two a sacraments
in the United Methodist Church, the other being baptism. In the UMC, communion
is an act of the whole church. We do not practice private communion. It is
always done within the context of the assembled community of faith. But, like
almost every other Christian denomination, we recognize that not everyone can
be assembled when communion is offered. Persons who are not able to come by
reason of illness, disability or medical treatment or condition may be offered
communion where they reside or are under treatment. In the United Methodist
Church, this is known as extending the table. However, communion for these
persons begins within the context of the community of faith. The communion
elements of bread and wine are consecrated by the pastor before being
transported to serve to the home-bound for the sick.
General
information
1.
Because
Communion is an act of the church, it is intended for any person baptized into
the body of Christ in the apostolic tradition. In Methodism, Communion may be
taken by unbaptized persons if they
are desirous of baptism soon. Hence, Communion should be served only by
baptized persons.
2.
One
of the earliest sacramental issues the early church had to deal with was
whether the moral character of clergy or lay persons could negate the efficacy
of the sacraments. That is, were there sins that should disqualify clergy or laity
from either consecrating or receiving the sacraments? The answer is no. The
actor in the sacraments is God, whose power is not hindered by the human
condition. Therefore, there is no personal issue of servers that makes them
unworthy to take Communion to the homebound or sick. We are not worthy to
receive or serve Communion to begin with!
3.
Communion
is to be neither consecrated, served, nor received casually. It is a means of
grace by which Christ sanctifies his holy church to move us on to perfection. While
a Communion visit may be light-hearted, serving and receiving Communion should
be treated with respect.
4.
Ideally,
Communion to the sick and homebound should be taken on the same day that it is
celebrated at the church, using the same Communion elements as shared by the
congregation. Those who carry Holy
Communion to the sick and persons otherwise confined, therefore, continue the
community's act of worship. They
extend the community's embrace to include those unable to be physically
present. If a same-day visit is not possible, Communion should be taken as soon
as possible.
5.
Always
call ahead to confirm the day and time to come. Observe the visitants’ condition
and time your visit with them as you deem best for all. Remember, most will be
very glad to see you and may want you to stay longer than you planned!
6.
“Visit
at full speed” right to departure. Do not take several minutes to explain why
you must leave and say farewell. When the time comes that you must leave,
simply stand and politely say so, make brief but cordial farewells, and go.
7.
When
praying with the homebound and sick, ask them first what they wish you to pray
for, if they are able to answer.
8.
Communion
is to be offered to all persons present if they wish. So it is good to know how
many persons will be there before arriving.
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