For many years Ruth, my wife, has made the bread for communion in congregations where I have served and she has been a member. It began when she had a modest baking business and it bothered her that "the body of Christ" was represented in miniscule cubes of Wonder Bread. The bread she makes is aromatic, substantial, whole grain bread, cut in pieces large enough to have the sensory sensation of taste. The communion coordinator here at Bridge St. was delighted when the subject was broached.
Why then was I little unsettled to hear about the "rainbow" bread at a communion service celebrating Minnesota becoming the twelfth US state to sanction same-gender marriage? The congregation is mostly young adults and takes an edgy, alternative approach to worship and life together. It's pastor is Jay Bakker, son of disgraced TV evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye -- remember them? He was disillusioned with religion for a time but has returned with this alt approach in a congregation called Revolution.
Once I got over the initial jolt I made my peace with their choice. I would much rather hear about a faith community of young adults using unusual symbols to express their Christian faith than listen to older adults bemoaning the disappearance of their own children and grandchildren from the church.
Don't worry, I won't try to persuade Ruth to get out the food colouring when she makes the bread for communion this week.
What do you think, or more importantly, what do you feel? Is this a sacrilege, or a bold and meaningful statement of inclusion in Christ? Would you be able to swallow this symbolically, literally and figuratively? There are teens and other young adults who read this blog. What are your opinions?
Looks neat to me ...
ReplyDeleteLove it, why not add the colour to represent their statement about inclusion (but I am sure it isn't as yummy as Ruth's bread).
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly unusual... But I think if the symbolism allows our young people to connect with the living Christ, then where's the harm.
ReplyDeleteI'd have no problem swallowing the swirls....
ReplyDeleteI am in preparation mode now for working with the grade 6-8 bunch at our Conference event this weekend where we will further explore the path to becoming an affirming Conference... a safe space for all, regardless of sexual identity and gender orientation.
Last year's dialogue on the process with the kids, and also with my table group which consisted of a group of old time, rural, United Church folk were both refreshing and accepting.
This year's Conference AGM theme is Moving Forward Together..... which if we emphasize "forward" and "togther" seems to lead us towards change and inclusiveness.
My experience would bet that our youth groups would think rainbow communion bread to be way-cool, sweet, phat...or whatever it is they are saying today...and it would have them thinking again about inclusive love of all God's children...and the example of their loving Jesus who liked to change things up and challenge humanity towards a humble greatness.
I think it is a great idea... inclusiveness has been a LONG time coming... and by our inclusiveness, we have gained richly spiritually at Bridge Street!
ReplyDeleteCommunion is about celebrating Christ's victory through sacrificing his blood and body. It is NOT about celebrating gay marriage. These blasphemers have eaten and drank judgment upon themselves.
ReplyDeleteThanks all for taking the time to ponder and write. I do believe that this communion was intended to be a meaningful sacramental celebration of Christ's sacrificial and inclusive love.
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