This brief order was prepared by the Rev Donald Glenny, with bedside, hospital and rest home services in view.
The order usefully demonstrates the bare essentials of a communion service.
(Another order for home communion may be found in the Church Worship Committee's 'Eucharistic Prayer Pack', available from the Resource Centre, P.O. Box 9049, Wellington.)
It is helpful if the celebrant has the support of some church members who can say the responses.
A brief order for Holy Communion:
The celebrant may welcome the people.
Then these words may be spoken:
Jesus said, Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will
give you rest.
or:
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Let us pray:
Almighty God,
to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may truly love you
and worthily praise your holy name:
through our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Scripture is read.
If it is appropriate, a brief comment on scripture may be given.
The Lord is here.
God's spirit is with us.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give thanks and praise.
It is indeed right, always and everywhere,
to give thanks to you,
the true and living God,
through Jesus Christ.
You are the source of life for all creation
and you made us in your own image.
In your love for us
you sent your Son to be our Saviour.
He suffered death on the cross for us.
You raised him in triumph
and exalted him in glory.
Through him you send your Holy Spirit
upon us and make us your people.
We proclaim your glory as we say:
Holy, holy, holy Lord,
God of power and might.
Heaven and earth
are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
On the night before he died,
your Son Jesus Christ took bread;
he gave thanks and broke it,
gave it to his disciples and said:
'Take, eat, this is my body
which is given for you.
Do this to remember me'.
After supper, he took the cup,
gave thanks and gave it to them saying:
'Drink this all of you.
This is my blood of the new covenant.
Do this to remember me'.
The bread and wine are distributed.
When all have received them, the Lord's Prayer is said:
Our father ...
The prayer of blessing is said.