"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: Our Last Communion

Thursday, March 24

Our Last Communion

Acts 2:42-44 and I Corinthians 11:23-24 

It happened on World Wide Communion Sunday, October 7, 1980.  Earlier that year, she had heart surgery.  We had been in San Diego due to the recommendation of her Cardiologist.  “She needs a lower elevation than Evergreen,” where I was Pastor. She had experienced two cardiac arrests prior to his recommendation. 

All went well, until the last week of September. Again, she had a cardiac arrest and was hospitalized.  Upon release from the hospital, her physician thought she could travel by air, to Evergreen.  We arrived at the time of all the brilliant colors. 

We had returned the day before World-Wide Communion Sunday.  I had urged her to stay at home and miss Worship that morning.  However, as we began Worship at 10:30, she and our three children came.   When I caught her eyes, she made it clear, she had to be there.  At Communion, the people gathered in a Circle around the Altar. Our Sanctuary was hexagon shaped with the Altar in the Center.  As Pastor, I served both the Bread and the Cup.  Communion there was always intimate.  You were able to greet each person and give the Sacrament.  As my eyes met with hers and our three children, it was unforgettable.  

Later that afternoon, she had insisted, we tour the Colors nearby.  I tried to talk her out of it, but she was determined. So, to Echo Hills we went, west of Evergreen, and we ended in Upper Bear Valley where our two oldest had stayed with friends.  She was excited to see our friends.  

That’s when it happened!  She had a cardiac arrest! The EMT’s arrived quickly.  They were able to get her to respond.  A Flight-For-Life Chopper was now on the ground nearby.  She promptly made the flight to Denver.     Two days later she took her last breath. 

To this day, as I serve or receive the Sacrament, I remember that Sunday and the blessings of a Community of Faith.  Yes, it was only one Sunday.  Oh, were we to know, all the stories that gather on any given Sunday.  

Thanks for the memory and intimacy of the Sacrament. Amen

Don G. Sperber, Retired Clergy 

"Searching for Sunday" Lenten Devotional Series: Communion

Sunday, March 6

Communion

An Invitation for Reflection through Lent Week Four

What are some of the reasons that you think Jesus chose to teach the people and imprint his ministry through the symbols of bread and wine?

Evans says, “Certainly nonbelievers can care for one another and make one another food.  But it is Christians who recognize this act as sacrament, as holy.”

What are some other ordinary acts or aspects of life that might be made holy or sacred when they are done in response to the call of God on our lives?

What does it mean to you when you receive the bread and hear the words “this is my body” or “this is the bread of life”?  When you receive the juice and hear the words “this my blood” or “this is the cup of blessing”?

Reflect on some memorable experiences with communion. 

            What were the circumstances? 

            What makes it memorable?

Evans says “This God knows his way around the world, so there’s no need to fear, no need to withhold, no need to stake a claim.”

What are some of the things we tend to withhold, some areas in which we tend to stake a claim? (Our first response might be monetary, but try to think past the obvious and move to the deeper levels where we hold on in fear.)

           

What difference does it make when we remember that, in God, “there’s always and ever enough”?