Oak Haven United Methodist Church

Jesus said; "I am the Bread of Life." Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

Wash Up, Say Grace; Let's Eat!

This past Sunday was Holy Communion.  I was always moved by receiving the Sacrament.  Administering the Sacred Host, now that has a whole new meaning for me.  I am simply awe struck by the significance of the Bread and the Cup.  I long to be perpetually humbled by the gift of sharing The Bread of Life with those in my care.  Most of all, this is a time that I not only remember God's mighty acts in Christ Jesus but I also remember and am nurtured by being chosen to feed Christ's sheep. 

Three simple points to remember from Sunday's message: Wash Up; Say Grace; Let's Eat! 

The reason why we "eat and drink" - 3R's: Reflection, Responsibilty and Repentence.

As people in special relationship with God, we reflect on what we do.  We take responsibility for our choices (no blaming or excuses).  And we repent, asking God's forgiveness.  (See Ps. 51:1-12)

When we eat the bread and drink of the Cup of Christ, Holy Communion offeres us a time to reflct, take responsibility and repent of our sins.  When we remember all that God has generously given us in Christ Jesus, our reflection is a time that we take responsibility to see those things for which we need to repent and ask forgiveness.  Upon asking/acknowledging and receiving forgiveness, we are thankful.  Hence, we wash up; say grace/give thanks, we eat and drink.  Here in are we nurtured, sustained, and energized for our journey.

Our Prayer:

We praise you, O God, for the meaning that You give to our lives in and through Christ Jesus, the Bread of Life. He is the sign of Your deep and everlasting love for the world. We rejoice in His promise to sustain us with His Life. We praise You for filling our emptiness with His Goodness. May we worship and praise you and express our thanks for Your gift to us in the True Bread from Heaven -  Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

You may listen to the entire sermon at: http://oakhavenumc.blogspot.com/2008/04/sermons.html.

God's blessings upon you as you listen and are inspired.
Grace and Peace ,
PK