Williston-West Church

Communion Sunday Procedures

1) Deacons of the month are responsible for purchasing the bread and grape juice.

2) You should arrive at least 45 minutes before the service begins.

3) Be sure to light all the candles.

4) Silver and linens are located in the Deacons' closet off the kitchen. Keys are in the office.

5) For a 'regular' Communion Sunday we need

• 3 silver chalices
• 3 silver plates
• 1 silver pitcher
• 1 white table cloth
• 3 small round doilies for the top of the chalices
• 3 round plate doilies
• 1 square napkin to cover the bread

6) Fill 2 cups with juice; cover with 2 doilies. 1 cup remains empty, but needs to be covered with a doily. Fill the pitcher with grape juice - does not need to be filled to the brim -- but enough to pour into the empty chalice.

7) Stack 3 silver plates, each one covered with a doily, with the bread placed on top. The bread needs to be 'scored' both lengthwise and widthwise with a fork so that the minister can break it apart easily. The 'scored' bread is then covered with the napkin with the scrolled edge facing front

8) The communion table is located in the sanctuary to the right of the choir. Bring the table out to the front center, placing it slightly closer to the stairs than to the pews.

9) Place the pitcher to the center, right, with the empty chalice slightly behind. Place the full chalices to the left and slightly back. Place the bread in the center of the table. If you have a chance, have Eric check the table arrangement so he is comfortable and familiar with the settings.

10) Connect with the two deacons who will be helping serve communion (deacons of the month from next month). The minister will say, "Will the Deacons please come forward?" Two deacons sit on each side of the aisle in the first row. (It is a good idea to bring a copy of the bulletin with you, as you will be up front until the conclusion of the service.) With guest ministers, be sure to coordinate when Deacons should come forward.

11) The Service.
When the minister says: "Come now, for all things are ready", deacons rise to receive the elements. Turn and face the congregation. If you are serving the bread, say: "The Body of Christ, broken for you". If you are serving the 'wine' (grape juice) say: "The Blood of Christ, shed for you". Please feel free to address the members of the congregation by name.

12) The minister will take communion from the first deacons to finish, then he will take the elements and serve the deacons. After both receive communion, please take your seats. The minister will then serve the remaining deacons, who will then take their seats. Please remain up front until the conclusion of the service.

13) At the end of the service, after a respectful time, the elements are cleared, cleaned and stored back in the Deacons' closet. The table is moved back to the corner.