Holy Communion: Celebrating God with Us

by Kenneth M. Loyer

Experience God in the here and now through Communion.

This book explores how
celebrating the presence of God With Us through Holy Communion nourishes
our souls, refreshes our sense of community, and equips us for mission
in Christ's name. Yet many Christians do not understand Communion or see
it only as an empty ritual. Because of that, low worship attendance or
enthusiasm commonly accompanies Communion Sundays—leaving churches
feeling spiritually depleted. This book provides insights and practical
suggestions for giving this sacrament a more prominent role, not just
in church life, but in the Christian formation of individuals.

For small groups, Sunday school classes, and as a preaching resource, Holy Celebrating God with Us by
Kenneth M. Loyer and general editor William H. Willimon is suitable for
a four-week study and includes discussion questions at the end of each
chapter.

The Belief Matters series assists pastors and clergy in explaining fundamental elements of the church and its worship to congregations. Holy Communion is the second in the series and follows Incarnation by William H. Willimon.

“I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Holy Communion, spiritual renewal or church vitality. Loyer’s offering is highly readable yet still substantive. Indeed, there is plenty of meat on the bones here even for those well-read in liturgical theology and worship or church growth more broadly. Moreover, each chapter contains a series of reflection questions and a prayer, making it ideal for small groups and Sunday School classes. I highly recommend this new resource for both, as well as churchwide study.” Drew McIntyre - an Elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and serves West Bend UMC.

Genres: Theology

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2014

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read full of thought provoking stories and questions - a must for every pastors library

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fine, short, readable, 128 page paperback is just what it says it's about; "Holy Communion: Celebrating God with Us". Kenneth M. Loyer, pastor of Otterbein United Methodist Church of Spry, York, Pennsylvania, explains the Eucharist in non-technical terms through four chapters.

Even though the author writes "Holy Communion" from a Methodist perspective, and often refers back to the Methodist Eucharistic liturgy, nevertheless most Christians would benefit from the way he explains the past, present and future aspects of the Lord's Supper. As Loyer explains, "The Lord's Supper is not simply a matter of past and present -- a memorial calling us to remember what Christ has done for us and a means of grace and spiritual sustenance in the present. It also points forward to what is to come. God gives us a foretaste of the heavenly banquet here and now in the sacred meal, and anticipation of God's promises ultimately fulfilled" (69-70).

The author has employed the Lord's Supper in his congregation weekly, normally at the mid-week service. During the years he has done this he feels he has seen internal changes - greater service mindedness - in the congregation, as well as numerical growth. The reason is because as we come to communion, not only do we remember Christ, but we ourselves become "re-membered ( . . . ) Communion makes us whole not simply on an individual level, but communally as well" (47). Though it might be difficult to make such a close cause-and-effect algorithm between the Eucharist and Church growth, yet the point he stresses is at least plausible and encouraging.

Loyer sticks to his aim throughout; "The primary argument of this book has been that a deeper appreciation of the nature and purpose of Holy Communion can provide insights for giving this sacrament a more prominent role, not just in church life, but in the Christian formation of individuals today" (78). "Holy Communion" is clearly meant to help people grow in a renewed appreciation for the sacrament. No matter what your theological tradition may be, snatch up a copy and see for yourself. I think you'll agree.

Thanks to Abingdon Press and Net Galley for the free, temporary e-copy used for this review.

[Rita Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great short read! Now this is written from a Methodist perspective, and it does often refer back to the Methodist Eucharistic liturgy. That said as a Roman Catholic I still feel that I benefited from the way he explains the past, present and future aspects of the Lord's Supper. I came away feeling as though I understood the Holy Communion so much more and have a new appreciation for it.



Thanks to Abingdon Press and Net Galley for the free, temporary e-copy used for this review

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent new resource from pastor-scholar Ken Loyer. A rare book that is both deep an accessible - readable for the most novice laity but with treasures for even those well-read in liturgical studies. Would be great for a small group or Sunday School class as well; each class includes a prayer and reflection questions. Highly recommended! Excited for future efforts in this series.

[Cheryl Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-put-together practical theology of the sacrament of communion

Excellent resource for preachers and teachers to draw communicants deeper into the meaning of this holy feast, beyond mere memorializing, encompassing the breadth of time and sense of call we gain as we enter into the real presence of Christ and God's sanctifying grace.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of this was very interesting and well-done. It felt like there were too many short anecdotes, though; fewer stories better fleshed out would have made for a stronger message. (There were also some parts talking about technology and about ability that I found off-putting.)