We stand only by God’s grace during these uncertain times that we are facing along with millions around the world. Even though we desire to meet in person, we are thankful that God has enabled us to still meet as a congregation virtually for the past four weeks. I am encouraged by your increased participation during our online services and zoom calls. I want to thank each one of you for your valuable prayers and support!
At Zion Church, we partake in the Lord’s table once a month to remember His great sacrifice and the victory over sin and death. We believe this symbolic ordinance unites us with the Lord Jesus Christ and His church and brings healing to our bodies.
During our online service, we will be conducting the Holy Communion so that we can remotely, yet collectively, partake without violating any social gathering requirements set by the county. Considering this unique time, the leadership of Zion consulted with our Assemblies of God presbyter, Rev. Tom McMahan and various other leaders of the Assemblies of God and ARC churches for guidance. They affirmed that this is not spiritually or theologically wrong if the household members are doing this during the online service with the utmost reverence. Rev. Tom also encouraged us that approximately 48,000 AG members will be participating in an online communion service tomorrow just in the North Texas district alone.
The Bible teaches us that the first communion Jesus did was part of the Passover meal which happens in households, and the early church gathered similarly and broke bread in their homes. Paul teaches the importance of being reverent and the consequences of taking this in an unworthy manner or to take this lightly of this ordinance can lead to judgement (1 Corinthians 11). Therefore, please gather together with the family in one place to watch the service online and lay out the bread and the grape juice on a clean table and utensils. The head of the house will break bread and pass out the elements to those who have accepted the Lord as their personal saviour and have taken water baptism.
HOW TO TAKE COMMUNION ONLINE
1. Purchase Grape Juice (quantity depends on size of your group)
2. Purchase Bread
– Unleavened bread is the best expression of the “bread” element. Unleavened bread simply is bread baked without a rising agent (most large grocery stores stock unleavened bread).
3. Be Ready at Home with Your Elements
– The pastor will direct you through properly receiving communion. Please use clean utensils and table as you follow along online individually or as a group during the service.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR PERSONAL USE
Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29
We are not intending this to be a regular practice, but during these unforeseen times, we have prayerfully considered this as the best option. If anyone of you is uncomfortable with this, it is understandable, and please feel free to not participate. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me, and I am more than happy to answer your concerns and pray with you.
Looking forward to our next online service with y’all!
In His Service,
Pastor Justin Sabu
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46)
I loved it. But why you need to explain this to the fools who does not understand the meaning of Lords Table. You don’t need to justify for what you did. This people who criticize did not died for your sin. You did the right thing. God bless you and use you.
I love this! Y’all are awesome!!! Great job Pastor Justin.
Amen. Thank you for giving us opportunity to join the holy communion. Zion! You put an outstanding effort in meeting the spiritual needs of the community. We all need it during this season to thrive.