Sue Taylor sent us the following liturgy that they are using for Communion. Her introduction:
Further to your request for material that bridges between Messy Church and traditional Anglican church please find attached the liturgy we are currently using for Holy Communion in Messy Church. This has been provided by our newest Bishop, Alison Taylor and who is strongly supportive of fresh expressions of church and, of course, Messy Church. It is an ongoing dialogue between her and our Rector, Pete Shayler-Webb as we think it could benefit from further changes. We think the words get into ‘church speak’ in parts and we try and avoid this in Messy Church as a matter of principle. In other parts we think it could be further simplified.
As this dialogue continues (and results in changes!) we will keep in touch with you.
The liturgy
PRAYER OF GREAT THANKSGIVING FOR USE WITH CHILDREN
I pray that the Lord may be with you.
And also with you.
I invite you to lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Lord our God,
We give you thanks and praise.
God our Father, you have brought us here together so that we can give you thanks and praise for all the wonderful things you have done. You are always thinking about your people; you never forget us. You sent your Son Jesus to us. He cured sick people; he cared for those who were poor; he forgave sinners and taught us to forgive each other. Jesus gave his life for us and came to save us.
[All over the world your people praise you. In heaven the apostles and all the saints sing your praise. Now we join with them and with the angels to adore you as we sing:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.] [] can be omitted
And now we thank you for these gifts of bread and wine. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, so that we who receive them, as Jesus said, share his body and his blood.
On the night before he died, Jesus was having supper with his disciples. He took bread from the table. He gave you thanks, he broke the bread, and gave it to his friends, and said: ‘Take this, all of you, and eat. This is my body which is given for you.’
After supper, he took a cup of wine, said the blessing, gave it to his friends, and said: ‘Drink this, all of you. This is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant, which is shed for you and for many, so that sins may be forgiven.’
We do now what Jesus told us to do. We remember his death and resurrection, by which we are saved. We offer you, heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit, our praise and heartfelt thanks.
Blessing and honour and glory and power
are yours forever and ever. Amen
Let us pray.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name, your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen
We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. I invite you to share with me in this sacrament of Jesus’ body and blood. Come, let us celebrate together.
