Christ welcomes us to His table with grace, forgiveness, and hope.
Bread and Cup
Holy Communion
Worship Practices | Understanding Our Worship
Holy Communion is one of the sacred ways we remember, receive, and respond to the grace of God.
At Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Holy Communion reminds us that Christ gave Himself for us, welcomes us to His table, and sends us out to live as His people in the world.
You do not have to understand everything about Communion to receive it. The table is a place of grace, remembrance, thanksgiving, and hope.
The Invitation
The service of Holy Communion begins with an invitation.
We are invited to come to Christ’s table—not because we are perfect, but because God is gracious. Communion is a gift. It reminds us that Jesus welcomes all who seek Him, trust in His mercy, and desire to live in peace with God and one another.
Breaking the Bread
The bread is broken as we remember the body of Christ given for us.
This moment points us back to the Last Supper, the cross, and the risen Christ who is still present with His people.
Receiving the Bread and Cup
We receive the bread and cup as signs of Christ’s body and blood, given for us.
Communion is a holy meal of remembrance, thanksgiving, and grace. It strengthens our faith, renews our hope, and reminds us that we belong to Christ and to one another.
Ways Communion May Be Served
Holy Communion may be served in different ways.
Sometimes people come forward to receive the bread and cup. One common way is called intinction, where the bread is dipped into the cup before receiving.
At other times, Communion may be served in the pews or by another method. The form may vary, but the meaning remains the same: Christ invites us to receive His grace.
Confession and Pardon
Before receiving the bread and cup, we confess our sins together.
Confession gives us a way to be honest before God. We admit our need for forgiveness, mercy, and renewal.
After confession, we hear words of pardon. These words remind us of the good news: in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
The Great Thanksgiving
The Great Thanksgiving is the central prayer of Holy Communion.
In this prayer, we give thanks to God for creation, redemption, and the gift of Jesus Christ. We remember what God has done, we praise God’s holiness, and we ask the Holy Spirit to be present with us as we receive the bread and cup.
This prayer reminds us that Communion is not only something we do. It is something God does in us by grace.
The Lord’s Prayer
During Communion, we pray the Lord’s Prayer together.
This prayer joins our voices with Christians around the world and across generations. We pray for God’s kingdom, daily bread, forgiveness, deliverance, and God’s will to be done.
Sent Out with a Blessing
After Communion, we are dismissed with a blessing.
We do not come to the table only to stay there. We are nourished by grace and sent back into the world to love God, serve others, forgive freely, and live as witnesses of Christ.
Why Communion Matters
Holy Communion helps us remember:
Jesus gave Himself for us.
God’s grace is greater than our sin.
We are forgiven and renewed.
We belong to the body of Christ.
We are sent to live with love, mercy, and hope.
Come and See
Whether you are new to church, returning after time away, or growing deeper in faith, you are welcome to learn with us.
Come and worship with us at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Pleasant Grove, Alabama.
Learn more at PGUM.org.
Continue Exploring Worship
- Welcome to Worship
Learn what to expect during worship at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.
- What to Expect
Discover what a typical Sunday morning looks like, from arrival to dismissal.
- Understanding Our Worship
Explore the meaning behind worship traditions, practices, symbols, prayers, and church seasons.
- Worship Practices
Learn more about Communion, Baptism, prayer, Scripture reading, giving, and other practices in worship.
- Worship Symbols
Discover the meaning behind candles, the cross, altar colors, standing, sitting, and other worship symbols.
- Worship Words
Understand common worship words and responses such as the Lord’s Prayer, Apostles’ Creed, Gloria Patri, and Doxology.
- The Lord’s Prayer
Learn why Christians around the world pray the prayer Jesus taught His disciples.
- Apostles’ Creed
Explore this historic statement of Christian faith and why it is still spoken in worship today.
- Doxology
Learn why the church sings praise and thanksgiving during worship.
- Gloria Patri
Discover the meaning and history behind this ancient hymn of praise to the Trinity.
- Seasons of the Church Year
Learn about Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and the rhythm of the Christian year.
- Foundations of Faith
Explore core Christian beliefs and practices that help build a strong spiritual foundation.
- Christian Living
Discover practical ways to grow in faith, discipleship, prayer, service, and daily life with Christ.
- Prayer and Encouragement
Find Scripture, prayers, encouragement, and hope for difficult seasons and everyday life.
- Stories of Faith
Read real stories of trust, grace, struggle, hope, and God’s faithfulness.
