Home communion

Communion in the farthest pews

Communion Is a word that has two definitions: “a common participation in a mental, emotional, or spiritual experience;” and, “when consecrated bread and wine are shared in remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial death.” Both of those definitions are an important part of the Lord’s Supper, as it is meant to be shared within a Christian community. Some of our First Church members are no longer able to physically attend church, yet they still want to share
in the Lord’s Supper. Home communion is the ministry of the church that serves those members.

The pandemic presented some real challenges when it came to communion, but church leadership was determined to continue to make it available to members. To make that happen, elders and deacons made over 100 phone calls to members before each Communion Sunday to ask if they wanted to pick up elements or have them delivered to their home. The covered entrance became a drive-through element pick-up location on the Saturdays before Communion Sundays, manned by those same elders and deacons. Packets of elements were also dropped off on front porches, handed off through front doors or taken to retirement homes. Members were encouraged to partake of the elements at the same time communion was served during the televised or streamed worship service to provide a feeling of sharing communion within the community.

“Home communion is often referred to as ‘communion in the farthest pews.’”
–Kathy Wilson

As time went on and the grip of the pandemic loosened, the drive-through pick up was discontinued. Members who weren’t able or ready to attend in person were invited to pick elements up at the reception desk. Elders and deacons continued to deliver packets of elements to those who preferred that option.

Finally, in June of 2022, the decision was made to return to the traditional model of home communion, when teams of elders and deacons visit members’ homes. For me, it was a little nerve-racking, as that was the first normal home communion I had ever coordinated. I am so grateful to Mariesa Worman, who has been involved with home communion for many years, and to Dionna Schooley, who provided valuable insight and encouragement. The heartwarming reports I received afterwards describing how grateful and happy recipients were to have the elements served to them personally after such a long period of isolation showed the importance of members being in communion in every sense of the word.

First Church’s connection with members who can’t physically attend worship needs to be intentionally nurtured, and this ministry is an important part of helping that happen. Every Communion Sunday, teams comprised of 10 elders, 10 deacons and the pastors, set out to serve the elements to these dear members to honor Jesus’ commandment to, “do this in remembrance of Me.” While doing so, they also pray with and for the members, reinforce their connection to the church, and listen to their stories, joys and concerns.

Members of the church who are unable to physically come to the church and participate in communion are encouraged to become part of our home communion ministry. If you would like to be added to the list, please contact Kathy Wilson at 918-301-1029 or kwilson@firstchurchtulsa.org.

About the author: Kathy Wilson has been a member of First Church since joining as a confirmand in 1972 and has been on staff since 2018. One of her responsibilities is coordinating memorial services.