where two or three are gathered

On Sunday morning, we had our second "Curbside Communion". As it was last month, the chance to touch base and see one another, however briefly, was such a joy. New this month was the invitation for anyone who wished to commune together, outside, before the drive-through portion began. 

"Sharing Communion" mosaic, Abidjan

As folks arrived, we gathered in a loose circle, spaced apart. The altar was a bare card table, and the elements were the same small lidded plastic cups and squares of pita bread I would later pass through car windows. After reciting the words of institution and praying the Lord's Prayer together, I walked around the circle, flimsy serving tray outstretched. I said, "This is the body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you", then continued on so that each person might remove their mask to eat and drink. 

It was strange, and also familiar. There were no candles, no flowers or linens or brass fixtures or music. But it was the people of God, gathered in the hope that we might "receive what we are, and become what we receive" - the body of Christ. 

We believe that the communion meal is a foretaste of the great heavenly feast that is to come. It is a meal that unites us across time and space, so that when we gather, we do so picturing the whole Church gathered alongside us. I was grateful, in a way, for the "social distancing" spaces left between each person as we stood out on the sidewalk and grassy lawn behind the church building, because it meant I could more easily imagine you there. 

There is very little that is familiar these days. Our routines and work and school and social lives have been upended, and Zoom and Google Classroom are poor substitutes. And yet, even apart from our usual pattern of worship, this felt familiar. Two or three or ten, gathered around the body and blood of Christ, receiving the assurance of God's unfailing promises. Here, still, was the very presence of Jesus, given and shed for you. Until we gather once more - in person, and finally around the heavenly feast - we trust that we are held together by the one whose love is never-ending.


Bonus resources: 

• For some levity, here's a version of the hymn "O Jesus, I Have Promised" sung to the tune of the Muppet Show theme!