This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion

by Gayle Carlton Felton

This is the body of Christ. This is the blood of Christ."" It's Communion Sunday. The service is a little longer, and the sacrament is observed with gravity. You know it's important, but the wonder is lost. What does it all mean, really? According to the results of a survey, you're not alone. United Methodists have a strong sense of the importance of Holy Communion, but they also lack a meaningful understanding of the theology behind it. Reclaim a richer sacramental life in your congregation through a group study of This Holy Mystery. In 2004, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted an official interpretative document on Holy Communion. (Go here to download a copy.) For the first time in our history, the denomination has an official, comprehensive statement of the practice and theology of the Lords Supper. Now, it's time for congregations to help members understand the observance. ""We believe that study of this document will yield increased appreciation for the sacrament in the worship experience and enable United Methodist people to draw nourishment and strength for their ongoing journeys of faith,"" writes Felton. This Holy A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion is a study guide of the General Conference approved document. An all-in-one resource, this book is for both participants and leaders. It's divided into seven sessions, providing commentary on the history, practice, and principles of Holy Communion in United Methodist congregations. It also points to implication of the sacrament for ministry and mission. We come to the Table of the Lord seeking to have our spiritual needs met. The benefits include forgiveness, nourishment, healing, transformation, ministry and mission, and eternal life. Renew your appreciation for the divine grace made available through this sacrament. Readers of This Holy Mystery are encouraged to download four articles from Quarterly Review available here. This Holy A Study Guide for Children and Youth is now available.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Church, Reference, Christianity

Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[J. Ewbank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your ordinary book for Sunday School which is where we are using it. It is better for a study group, but we are finding that it has a trememdous amount of information, to help us understand the United Methodist Church's stand on the Lord's Supper, we well as that of historical Methodism, back to John Wesley. A job well done.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very straightforward guide to understanding the beliefs of the United Methodist Church on Holy Communion. Being relatively new to the United Methodist Church, I appreciated the background on what prior practices led to the current ones. I learned a lot and feel like I have a solid understanding how of Holy Communion functions within the United Methodist Church

[Trevor Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction, not just to Methodist Eucharistic tradition and belief, but to the Methodist church as a whole.

[Bridget]

Good view of Methodist theology about Holy Communion. Not really different from the ECUSA and the ELCA . . .

Tiny bits, but not enough to truly matter.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contains the official United Methodist statement on Holy Communion. An unexpected bonus are the lesson plans that come with it. It is my hunch that a lot of our church folks don't know what they believe about communion, and this could be very useful to them.

[Matt Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, concise overview of Methodist theology concerning the sacrament of Holy Communion. Addresses common issues and celebrates the unique heritage of the Wesleyan sacramental understanding.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough explanation of UMC theology and practice of Holy Communion

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a deeper study for the United Methodist understand of Holy Communion. I have one in my office available.