!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> Emerging Women .comment-link {margin-left:.6em;}
Monday, August 21, 2006
Communion at Our Wedding?
To share a bit about my personal life…

I am getting married on October 7th. Our vision for the ceremony is, to say the least, untraditional. Our lives, and our relationship have also been, well, untraditional. During the wedding however, we are excited to make God the focus. We are also excited to celebrate our community of friends and family who have supported us throughout our journey. One of the things we wish to incorporate is communion, however as opposed to being for just Stephen and me, for all of our guests. During the time we would like to offer communion, words on community and fellowship will be spoken and we will be honoring and recognizing our community. There will be however, some guests who communion has no significance for. Our desire is not to offend anyone or make anyone uncomfortable, as many non-believers and possibly some of different denominations will be present. Any thoughts on how we could position the offering of communion? We plan to have our “wedding party” pass it out rather than asking our guests to walk up if they wish to participate in hopes that it eases things some. What we are not sure of is how to ask our guests to take part and how to express what it means to us. Should we even attempt to incorporate communion? The ceremony will be outdoors, and a bit on the casual side; we are open to suggestions of all kinds.

Labels: , ,

 
posted by Tiffanie Lloyd at 10:51 AM ¤ Permalink ¤


6 Comments:


  • At 8/21/2006 12:36:00 PM, Blogger caz

    What about celebrating a "communion" during your reception? Instead of a piece of bread and sip of wine, bring the idea of community, sharing a meal, celebrating, and fellowship into your reception. You could explain what communion means to you and why you celebrate it, it's signifcance, etc.

    That will take the offense away for the traditionalists and bring a comfortable explanation to those who are unfamiliar. Plus it would carry your focus on God into the celebration.

    Happy planning!

     

  • At 8/21/2006 07:00:00 PM, Blogger Julie

    I see communion as a rememberance of Christ. We offer communion to anyone who wants to honor him (which in its way leaves it open to non-believers who respect and honor christ even if they don't follow him.) We always encourage people to not feel compelled to take it, but to do so only if they want to or feel ready to at the time. In that way nonbelievers can pass it by without ackwardness as can believers whose hearts are not prepared to honor christ in that way at the time. I would have communion and offer it to whoever desires to partake. It is a beautiful way to remember Christ as you gather together.

    and p.s. - congrats on the wedding and all that

     

  • At 8/21/2006 09:23:00 PM, Blogger Unknown

    When I married, I was at a different place spiritually than now. However, our wedding too was outdoors and more casual. I did want to focus on God, but I guess was already bucking a little of the tradition of my family even at that time. We did communion with our pastor during a song. He explained its meaning to us prior to the music. Maybe you could somehow incorporate in a similiar way. Speak as to it's meaning to you, and open it to those who would like to participate, but maybe have something like special music, a reading, speaking, etc. that might draw the attention so that those that don't partake feel less awkward or pressured.

     

  • At 8/22/2006 06:43:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous

    I love these ideas. Love especially the intimate Rehearsal Dinner Communion.

    Although communion is done in the context of worship and you see your wedding as a worship service, some in attendance will see your wedding as many do: a prelude to the party. Perhaps if you offer communion and invite "all who seek Christ" to join in, but also add that those who wish not to partake might receive a blessing, you will convey that this wedding and this union are spiritual things for you. Many blessings!

     

  • At 8/23/2006 12:20:00 AM, Blogger Charlotte Wyncoop

    After the explanation, maybe the attendants could pass a loaf of bread for people to break off a piece and then a cup of wine for people to dip the bread into. It might help keep it less stressful because people can participate or not, without it being a big deal.

     

  • At 8/23/2006 01:24:00 PM, Blogger Tiffanie Lloyd

    Thank you for all the great suggestions. I'll be sure to report what we decide and how it all turns out.

    Thanks!

     
Post a Comment ~ back home