The Sacred Meal

by Nora Gallagher, Phyllis Tickle (Foreword)

The sacred meal that is part of our faith does more than connect us to the holy.  It connects us to each other.

"I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he wanted them to do could not be done alone. How the things he did could not have been done without them."
In her inimitable style of memoir and personal reflection, Nora Gallagher explores the beauty and mystery of this most fascinating of topics.  Whether exploring the history of Christian Communion, taking us inside the workings of a soup kitchen or sharing times of joy and sadness with friends, the author reminds us what it means to partake of and be part of the body of Christ.
The Ancient Practices is an eight-book series with staggered releases through February 2010.  Though various books have covered some of these spiritual disciplines, there has never been an attempt at a definitive series until now.  Immensely compelling and readable, each classic book features a foreword by Phyllis Tickle, the general editor.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Spirituality, Christianity, Religion, Christian Non Fiction, Church

143 pages, Hardcover

First published August 11, 2009

Reviews

[Bishop Harber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sacred Meal wasn't a bad book. I think it's a bit too touchy-feely for me. There's not enough research, history, academics. It seems like a book of someone's reflection over Communion. Nothing wrong with that at all. But I was really hoping for something with more depth.

[John Collier · Rating 1 out of 5]

I rarely pay full cover price for a book. Some of my book cost me nothing. They are either gifts from family and friends or Christian publishers and promotional agencies send them to me. I look for books on closeout or clearance. The closest I ever pay to cover price is when I order a book from Amazon.com.

A few months ago, I picked up a copy of The Sacred Meal (2009, Thomas Nelson) by Nora Gallagher on sale somewhere. It is part of Thomas Nelson’s “The Ancient Practices Series”. Obviously, it is about the Christian practice known as Communion or the Lord’s Supper.

I truly love the practice of Communion. I think this is a practice that most Protestants do not take seriously enough. Most do not participate often enough to say they practice Communion.

I am planning a sermon on Communion in a couple of weeks, so I thought it would be helpful to give this a quick read. I was wrong.
The Sacred Meal is a quick and easy read and Gallagher is a wonderful writer. The book is less than 140 pages and incredibly readable. Any problems with the book are strictly with its contents. It is incredibly bad theology well written.

Gallagher is an Episcopalian trained for the priesthood who chose to not become a priest. For the sake of this review, I’ll reserve comments about what roles women should biblically play in ministry. In her local congregation, she has the role of a Lay Eucharistic Minister. Again, I will choose not to comment on the particulars of the composition of the elements of Communion (bread and wine or juice) in the differing denominations. Suffice it to say, referring to it as the “Eucharist” means something.

One of my biggest issues with the book is that Gallagher rarely referred to the root of the practice of Communion, namely the last Passover meal Jesus shared with his disciples. How is it possible to gain insight into the practice and avoid its history?

In relation to Communion, Gallagher referenced the wedding at Cana and the feeding of the five thousand as “Communion” stories, but not the actual last supper. I found that very confusing.

The other frustrating thing about this book is the constant social references. I agree that we live in a consumption driven culture, often even in the church. But everything in the Bible is not intended to be primarily about changing culture and society. Culture and society are changed when the hearts of individuals are changed and they are renewing their minds through the work of the Holy Spirit. Somehow the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah made it into a book about Communion. I am still not sure how that happened.

"There are many versions of why they were eventually destroyed. Prevalent among them are sadistic cruelty to beggars and visitors, murder, greed. Jewish commentaries affirm that the Sodomites committed terrible and repeated economic crimes against each other and outsiders, including rape, both homosexual and heterosexual." (page 31)

That quote was pulled from a chapter called “Waiting”, about waiting in line to receive Communion in her church.

In my opinion, your time should not be wasted with this book. The writing is truly beautiful and artistic. The subject of Communion was almost completely avoided, at least from a biblical perspective.

[Debbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

This book is part of a series exploring traditional spiritual disciplines. However, it's not about the historical or Biblical view of the Holy Communion since the author doesn't believe that the Bible is accurate or that the Christian religion is true. So the book is a memoir about what Communion has meant to the author.

The author wrote a lot of things that sound good or even profound, but her teachings aren't found in the Bible or in the historical understanding of Communion. When she paraphrased the Bible, she didn't do so accurately. She quoted her friends on Communion much, much more than she quoted the Bible. One time, she quoted as insightful a bishop's thought about Communion then told the story of how he, in all seriousness, gave Communion to a flock of geese (p.64). I had to wonder why the editor asked her to write about Communion. Overall, I can't recommend this book.

The following are things in the book that make me not recommend it:

The author isn't a Christian but believes a mix of religious teachings including some Christian ideas (page 72). She thinks it doesn't matter how you worship or what you believe, it only matters how you live (p. 119).

The author doesn't believe that the Bible is historically accurate or reliable (p. 110) and, at best, thinks we can only glean very generalized, symbolic teachings from it (p. 33, etc.). She thinks that Jesus was not perfect but progressively learned the perfect way to do things as he taught (p. 123) and that he changed his beliefs as he was influenced by various people he encountered (p. 62). He also was primarily focused on social justice (p. 22-24) and his resisting the Roman empire was why he was crucified (p. 18).

She also thinks that the "Kingdom of God" that Jesus taught about was merely a goal of earthly social justice and peace--an alternate earthly government or society we can bring about by our own efforts (p. 34, 38, 56, 83). "The practice of Communion reminds Christians of a meal and many meals shared by followers of a man who wanted them to see a new kingdom" (p. 55).

The author totally misses what event the Holy Communion celebrates/represents. "On the night of his life, Jesus said, 'Do this to remember me' (Luke 22:19 NLT). Many of us think these words...mean we're remembering Jesus when we drink of this cup and eat of this bread....Instead, I think Jesus wanted his disciples and everyone who came after him to remember what they had together. What they made together. What it meant to be together. How the things he wanted them to do could not be done alone. How the things he did could not have been done without them" (pp. 23-24).

And, according to her, Jesus was not seen in human form after he was crucified (p. 135). The gospel writers were trying to convey something more metaphysical; that he became nature itself (p. 131). "Christ is everywhere. In the beans in your garden, in the waters of the lakes and rivers and mountains..." (p. 136) and "Christ is everywhere, especially in bread and wine....By this we are to understand that God is meant to be breathed in, God is meant to be bathed in, and finally, God is meant to be eaten" (p. 136). And "If Christ is everywhere, he is in us. We are his body now, his hands and his feet. We are all the ongoing incarnation" (p. 137).

More to the topic, who should partake of Holy Communion? "Certainly, it makes sense to have some kind of relationship to the Christian story in order to take Communion" (p. 88), but "Communion is so important to me that I don't think there should be rules about who can take it and who cannot." So if you desire to take Communion, do so (p. 96).

Is the Holy Communion meant as a symbol or do the bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood? According to the author, neither. "Holy Communion is an act of the imagination" (p. 94). Also, it is humans and their participation in the Holy Communion that make it sacred/sanctified (p. 84).

The book might be well-written in the grammatical sense, but her theology is whatever appeals to her. So I don't think she should have been the one to write on a traditional spiritual discipline even though she enjoys taking it.

[Barbie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher is an essay on the practice of Communion, also called the Eucharist, in the Christian church. This book is one of a series entitled The Ancient Practices. Ms. Gallagher is preacher-in-residence at an Episcopalian church and has acted many times as Lay Eucharist Minister for that denomination. Published by Christian publishing powerhouse Thomas Nelson, The Sacred Meal appeals to the general Christian populace seeking to understand the oft-repeated, rarely comprehended practice of Communion.

Unfortunately, the readers will be disappointed. The Sacred Meal is a hodge-podge of mediocre storytelling and bad doctrine. Scattered throughout the meandering personal anecdotes, liberal and humanistic theology blend with the stories of the gospel and the Christian church. Examples of extensive Hindu meditation are compared favorably to a moving Communion experience. Several times, MS. Gallagher equates Islam with Judaism and Christianity. It would seem, by her writing, that Ms. Gallagher doesn’t believe Jesus when He says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” Instead there appear to be many ways to the Kingdom of Heaven and, “…it doesn’t matter how you worship or what you say you believe, it matters how you live.” (pg. 119) In the effort to understand Jesus’ humanity, Ms. Gallagher reaches just a little too far, forgetting that Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit are One and that Jesus was always about His Father’s business. He didn’t heal the Canaanite woman’s daughter, as Ms. Gallagher states, because He was suddenly struck by the idea that He could fill her need. He was not “healed…opened…changed” (pg.62) by this encounter. He followed His Father’s orders and the Canaanite woman’s faith in this God, Who was not her ancestral god, is what caused Jesus to heal her daughter. It is dangerous ground to imagine into the gospel accounts that which is not there.

One positive aspect of this book is the push to do something with your faith. The American Christian church has, for far too long, sat on its haunches and enjoyed the blessings of God instead of sharing them. Ms. Gallagher calls for us to put feet to our faith, share the love, grace, and blessing that the Lord has shared with us, and so reap the Kingdom of Heaven.

I would not recommend this book to anyone and, quite frankly, I am disappointed in Thomas Nelson Publishing. One star.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Julie N · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed that this book doesn't mention the death or resurrection of Christ, which is kind of the entire point of Communion. I would have rather heard the author give a view I disagree with than just avoid the topic altogether because of a fear of being controversial. Communion isn't the kind of topic that can be discussed without mentioning the cross - and it isn't, as Gallgher writes, created by humans for humans. But I won't get into my personal beliefs in my review - the book itself is beautiful, the writing is beautiful, and I appreciate some of Gallagher's opinions, particularly on the community focus of Communion.

[Nicole Cober-Lake · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I knew from the jacket copy that The Sacred Meal would be in large part a personal meditation on the meaning of communion, I was expecting more than I found. There is very little on the history of communion, the different interpretations of its meaning, or the myriad ways in which it is celebrated in different faith traditions. While there were some references to Scripture, they were rare and not considered in depth. Gallagher has a pleasant enough voice, so her personal anecdotes of communion experiences were welcome, but they would have been far more effective as part of a more detailed and comprehensive examination of the practice.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Eucharist or Lord’s Supper is central to the Christian faith, and to some traditions it’s more central than in others. For Protestants it is one of two primary sacraments or means of grace. It is also an ancient Christian practice, by which we as Christians get in touch with the holy. While we might not think of it as a spiritual practice – in the same way as prayer or fasting, Nora Gallagher offers us a way of looking at this activity in just that way. Like the other spiritual practices, it serves “to gradually move us out of one place and into another” (p. 15).

Nora Gallagher is not an academically trained theologian nor is she a member of the clergy. She is, however, an Episcopal layperson, Eucharistic minister, a licensed Episcopal preacher, and a writer. She is best known for writing spiritually defined memoirs such as Things Seen and Unseen: A Year Lived in Faith. In this brief book, Nora brings to bear both her experience as a practitioner of the Christian faith and her vocation as a writer of memoirs. This is very much a lived theology of the Eucharist, one that emerges from her experiences as a member of Santa Barbara’s Trinity Episcopal Church. In many ways this book is a perfect expression of the sort of theological exploration that Philip Clayton describes in his new book Transforming Christian Theology (Fortress, 2010).

As I write this review, I must acknowledge that I know Nora, and several of the experiences that she narrates – I was either in attendance at or something very similar. Thus, as she narrated her own story, in a very real way I found myself in the story. I know the people, the churches, the events. This may skew the way I read the book, but my sense is that Nora writes in a such a way that you need not know or have met Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaefer or the Rev. Mark Asman to be pulled into the story. One needn’t have participated in an interfaith Sukkot celebration led by Arthur or an interfaith breaking of the Ramadan fast at a local Presbyterian church. That I may have been in attendance, doesn’t change the fact that Nora writes in such a way that we are drawn into a life-changing spiritual practice, one that leads from an internal encounter with the one lifted up in the Eucharist, to a life of service to the world.

To give one specific example of this connection between worship and service, Nora describes a soup kitchen that was launched by members of the Trinity Episcopal Church to serve the homeless community. That soup kitchen would be the precursor to a much larger community-based outreach to the homeless, but it began in a church, in a small group or base community as they call it at Trinity, that encompassed the sharing in the Lord’s Supper. Because of the theology inherent in the Episcopal tradition, the elements used had been previously consecrated, but Nora links the Table of the Lord to the table set out for the homeless in a church’s parish hall. That is an important link that needs to be lifted up.

As one reads the book, one encounters a personal story – Nora’s – and a tradition’s story. She describes in some detail the theology inherent in the Eucharist – speaking of the way in which the service of Communion involves a time of waiting, a time of receiving, and a point after wards. In the first stage, we examine ourselves, what we’ve been doing, confessing our sins if need be, reading ourselves to receive the bread and cup. From there we move to a point of reception, and this comes to us as a gift, as a matter of grace. By receiving the elements of communion, we must open our hands to receive them, and that makes us vulnerable. She writes of this step:


It’s dangerous, opening your hands. You don‘t know what will end up in them. This may have been the smartest thing Jesus ever did. He must have thought, How can make them step into the unknown? How can I get them to let in some surprise? I know, I’ll figure out a way for them to put their hands out in front of them, empty (p. 45).


By doing this, by stretching out our empty hands, we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers nor the power to accomplish the things of God.

After we receive the bread and the cup, a point at which Nora suggests that we are being invited into heaven with all its glories, we return home to the realities of life. As she seeks to understand the point afterward, she tells the story of an interfaith celebration of Sukkot, that was led by a mutual friend, Rabbi Arthur Gross Schaefer. The point that she wants to make is that the Sukkot shelters are temporary, serving to remind the Jewish people that theirs is a nomadic past. Rituals, such as Sukkot, Communion, and Ramadan, help us in a very real and bodily way reconnect with an ancient event.


The practice of communion reminds Christians of a meal and many meals shared by followers of a man who wanted them to see a new kingdom. The practices are “after words,” after the events are long in the past, and whatever words attached to them may no longer be accurately recalled. The practice remains to keep us in tune with what the original event pointed toward and so that we can add to its meaning and history (pp. 55-56).


By returning to this event through this practice, the events and words of long ago seep into our cells. The point of regular practice is that our bodies and minds and spirits are continually trained for encountering the God revealed in this practice. That allows us to be transformed by our encounters with the holy.

In the course of these chapters we are brought into a better understanding of the sacrament that is so central to our faith. She makes it personal and reminds us that it is something, that if we are able and willing to receive from it, a life-changing practice. It is not simply a ritual, it is something that prepares us to go out into the world, knowing that the Christ who is present in the bread and cup as body and blood (not in a literal sense, but in a spiritual and mystical sense) is also present everywhere in the cosmos. It makes Jesus present, so that he might reveal to us the true nature of God. And as God is present everywhere in the world through Christ, we who are the body of Christ become the “ongoing incarnation.”

The Communion may be an ancient practice, but it has very present implications, and Nora does a wonderful job taking us into those implications, so that we might be transformed for service in the world. This is a book that can be appreciated and enjoyed by the newest of believers and the ones who have traveled the road the longest. I think it can be especially useful to the one who finds the Eucharist to be simply a ritual, something done simply because we’re supposed to do it on occasion.


As one who comes from a tradition that practices weekly communion, I am reminded here of the breadth of meaning found in the sacrament. Those who don’t see the point of frequent participation in the Sacrament might discover a reason to rethink that idea. If practice makes perfect, then we all have a lot of practice to put in!

[Patrick Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've made it a goal to someday finish all the books in this series. It won't really be that difficult because they've seemed to be pretty easy to read (thus far). I picked up this one because it has been a subject matter that has recently come up among my study of church history as well as in conversations we've been having in our campus ministry. Overall, am I thankful I read this book? Yes. Is this the book I was looking for to unpack and explore all of the history and varying interpretations of the Eucharist (or whatever else you'd like to call it)? No. In fact there were a couple of times while reading this book where I found myself thinking, "This doesn't seem to have much to do with what she's claiming to be writing about." Yet, just when I was close to writing off the book as a whole, I stumbled across gems throughout that made the read beneficial and enjoyable. If you had to pick only one book to read about the Eucharist, I would probably look elsewhere (where? I don't have an answer as of yet for you). However if you have the freedom and desire to read multiple books on the subject, I would encourage you to throw this one in the mix. It wasn't AS edifying as Scot McKnight's contribution in the series (the book on fasting), but with the difference in style from most writers writing on such a subject, and the poetic flair used throughout, this book is sure to at least help you rest some from the rigors of theological study while continuing on the journey.

[Tim Cruickshank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A down to earth, deeply spiritual book. While it's certainly theological, it is certainly written at a popular level. Again, it's reflection for the sake of one's spiritual life. I appreciate Gallagher's insight.

[Audra Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. What I most appreciated was her fresh, honest perspective on the Eucharist.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

average read

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has some good insights - will add my favorite sections soon

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found Gallagher's book simultaneously illuminating and infuriating. To start on a positive note, Gallagher definitely has a gift for writing. I'm used to reading fat books by scholars on this subject, but Gallagher brings a lot of wit and earthy wisdom to this topic. And, I'll certainly agree that the scholars have muddied the waters quite a bit. Jesus told us to do something really simple, but we've managed to fragment this sacrament of unity into a hundred thorny questions. Gallagher's catchy metaphors appropriately turn our attention away from whatever might be going on "inside" the bread, and she exhorts us to remember that "we" are the Body of Christ, when we gather as the Church. When we take communion, she exhorts us to "Look around you," something I've said when I've administered communion. Don't try to conjure up some deep, mystical experience--just look around at all other messed up people that God is in the process of healing. Gallagher has many wonderful stories about her experiences with partaking, and administering, communion--stories about real people being transformed by ancient rite. She helps us to look at this "ancient practice" from lots of new angles, and I think much of what she says is spot on and quite helpful.

But ... there were a few parts which made me gag a little. I think Gallagher is far too quick to buy into the neo-liberal reading of Jesus which highlights Jesus' supposed critique of "empire." Now, I freely confess that we should do more to care for the poor. I confess that our government is not righteous. I acknowledge that there are more than a few unsettling analogies between America hegemony and the pagan Roman Empire. But, I'm just not convinced that this is the right way to read the Jesus narratives. However, I will agree enthusiastically with one of Gallagher's conclusions: "So part of waiting in Communion is examining what we did last week to find the kingdom of heaven in our midst and to help others find it" (pg. 37).

A quibble--I didn't really buy her imaginative reconstruction of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite woman (Matt. 15:21-28). I find Kenneth Bailey's interpretation much more convincing (see Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, ch. 16).

Lastly, I believe Gallagher goes too far in her desire to be inclusive and welcoming. She writes: "Communion is so important to me that I don't think there should be rules about who can take it and who cannot" (pg. 88). Now, I fully applaud the motive here. I'm trying to write a dissertation on some of the reasons why churches should celebrate the Supper more often. It's important to me. But not more important than the Word of God. Gallagher doesn't want to create "rules" about who can, and who can't, take Communion (pg. 89). The only problem is that the Apostle Paul lays down some pretty tough rules in 1 Cor. 11:27-32. Perhaps Gallagher has some exegetical reasons for why Paul isn't setting up some sort of "fence" around the Table. If so, it would have been nice to have those reasons summarized. She also appears to drive off the cliff of tolerance when she writes: "Thieves are welcome here, and embezzlers; so are murderers and prostitutes and sex abusers and those who have been or are abused ... Everyone." (pg. 92). Now, I agree that no sin should keep us away from the Table, but I would add that no sin we "repent" of, should keep us away. What about 1 Cor. 5:11? When Jesus refused to condone the stoning of the woman caught in adultery, he did not just dismiss her sin. He commanded her, "Go, and from now on sin no more." (Jn. 8:11). The Eucharist is medicine for sick souls, and repentance (the process of turning away from sin) must be part of how approach the Table (Ro. 6:22).

I'm thankful to Gallagher for writing this book, and for forcing us to re-think a ritual that so many of us take for granted.

[Cathy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Sacred Meal" is not a treatise on the sacrament of Eucharist, nor is it a theological lesson on the Last Supper. It is simply one humble woman sharing her personal experiences, remembrances, and revelations on the practice we call Communion.

Nora Gallagher makes no attempt to use scholarly terms or confusing definitions to convey her thoughts, but she does keep the Word close at hand as she reminisces about her Communion encounters. Each chapter includes quotes from Scripture that Ms. Gallagher applies to her life. Recounting moments from Christ’s life, she speaks of His purpose, cites His teachings, and seeks to understand His heart. She examines our Savior in an intimate way.

Our author invites us to participate in a personal Communion only possible when shared with others, then gives us examples of how we might go about doing that. She remains transparent and honest while telling of her own communion experiences from both the servant and server aspects, at the altar and in the soup kitchen. In whatever circumstance, the reader is assured that, whether Ms. Gallagher is serving or being served, she is the recipient of great joy.

Ms. Gallagher shares her own inferences and interpretations without forcing her opinion on the reader. Throughout most of “The Sacred Meal” I was drawn into a deeper understanding of what I already knew, or was reassured of the promise of the Word. On more that a few occasions, though, Ms. Gallagher presented a concept I had never before considered. I didn’t always agree with her, but I can’t say how many of my disputes result from Godly wisdom and how many from what “I’ve always been taught”. What I do know is that Ms. Gallagher made my inner eyes widen and caused me to examine my own relationship with the Body of Christ and with Jesus Himself.

I’m grateful for Thomas Nelson Publishers for proving me a copy of “The Sacred Meal” and giving me the opportunity share my opinions. My education from the Holy Spirit will not be complete until God calls me home. “The Sacred Meal” has opened windows leading to new and deeper learning. If you, like me, never grow full of wisdom, I suggest you give it a read.

[Jennifer L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

“The Sacred Meal” by Nora Gallagher has a definite slant towards Episcopalian theology, and some may read this and shudder at the thought that Communion should have no “rules” attached. At one point I may have said the same, and possibly I would be a “rule person” to Ms. Gallagher. Although I see a need for some control of who participates in Communion, I don't like the idea of how humans decide who can and cannot participate. What human can say if we are worthy? Worthy. Are we ever worth? As I was growing up, I didn't see Communion presented in the loving way it is in “The Sacred Meal”. Instead I grew to see it as something that MUST be done, but the smallest infraction we have committed will turn us into condemned people before God. I used to think that God was just waiting for us to participate in Communion, not as a ritual of faith, but as an opportunity to be able to 'zap' us since we're not perfect. That couldn't be further from the truth, and this book does a good job of explaining what Communion is, why we participate, and how the community within our participation affects our experience. While unless you are of Episcopalian background, you likely won't agree with all of the book, it's still a good overall book on this Christian tradition.

I was provided a copy of this book free for review purposes.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is part of the eight book Ancient Practices series under the general editorship of Phyllis Tickle.

The sacred meal in question here has been described in many different ways: communion, breaking of bread, mass, eucharist, Lord's meal, etc. Many doctrinal differences surround it: transubstantiation, who may partake, who may serve it; is it merely a memorial, the real; presence of Christ or something else?

Nora Gallagher writes from an Episcopal standpoint. It is this perspective that shapes her ideas and views about breaking of bread. This is very much a personal perspective. The only time she steps out of her seeming denominational bounds are when she asserts that there should be no rules as to who can take it and who cannot.

She writes very well and the book is full of literary allusions and epigraphs. The strength of the book is its narrative format, but that is also its weakness. There is little historical, cultural or theological reflection on the subject; the only exception is the brief chapter 9, 'A history in brief' - unfortunately the chapter is too brief. I would have liked to have seen this chapter developed more. The book is part of the Ancient Practices - but there is seemingly no link between the 'Sacred' meal that Gallagher describes and the ancient i.e. New Testament practice.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book in the Ancient Practices Series that I have been reviewing for BookSneeze.

This series takes apart each of the different Christian practices in order to better understand what they are and why people perform them.

This book is on the Holy Communion. Throughout time, Christians have partaken in the Holy Communion. Most understand that it is representative of the blood of Christ and the body of Christ. However, many do not understand the whys or how’s of this. Nora Gallagher explains in very easy to understand language the history and beliefs behind this ancient practice.

Even though I am not a Christian, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It takes a look at the history of a people. And understanding a person’s belief system lends to understanding the person.

Plus I am able to see how many practices are very much like my own. And how many of the major religions are very much similar. Its just unfortunate that most people don’t want to see it.

So whether you are a Christian or just someone like me who loves to read about all different religions, this is a great read. You will definitely walk away with a new perspective.

I received this book free in exchange for my review. This did not influence my review in any way.

[Kaylea · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is communion? Why is it important, let alone sacred?

Those are just two of the questions examined in Nora Gallagher's contribution to the Ancient Practice Series - The Sacred Meal.

Mixing memoir and prose, Gallagher examines the practice of communion and how it relates to the Christian faith.

I found Gallagher's writing to be authentic, warm and engaging. Her writing style pulled me into the book, while her stories helped me look at communion in a new way.

"The sacred meal that is part of our faith does more than connect us to the holy. It connects us to each other."

I think what I enjoyed most about this book is that Gallagher really dives into why communion is truly an invitation to a deeper relationship with God.

Reading this piece of the Ancient Practice series has made me want to explore further titles - if they are all as inviting as this offering, it is a series that breathes new life into " old" practices of faith - thus truly making them new again.

An additional bonus: The study guide at the back of the book, would allow a small group to use this book to dive into the "holy mystery" known as communion.

[Timothy Hoiland · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Eucharist, at least for those in the "high church" traditions, is kind of a big deal. Just how big of a deal is, of course, a matter of debate. Roman Catholics hold to what is called Transubstantiation, the belief that the bread and the wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus. Lutheran and Reformed churches have different understandings, as do Anglicans. Many nondenominational evangelicals consider it more symbolic, and pass the stale crackers and Welch's grape juice accordingly, maybe once a month.

In this book Gallagher, herself Episcopalian, doesn't focus too much attention on what is actually happening to the bread and the wine. Rather, she focuses on what is happening to and among people. I like this, because for something like the Lord's Supper – which Christ commands his disciples to do in remembrance of him, the God who took on real flesh and blood – locking the sacrament in an air-tight theological box with Is dotted and Ts crossed strikes me as a bit like missing the point.

- See more at: http://tjhoiland.com/wordpress/2011/0...

[Laura Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among the young people today there is a resurgence of observing the ancient disciplines as they realize the benefit of some of these “rituals” that the church has marginalized. Thomas Nelson has brought us a series called The Ancient Practice Series to help us understand these old truths. THE SACRED MEAL written by Nora Gallagher is one in this collection.

You might wonder how you would write a whole book on the “Eucharist” or “Communion” just as I did, however Nora Gallagher did just that. She has a unique way of mixing the sacred life and ordinary life together helping you to get past the “religious” significance and into the intimate, personal feel of what this meal represents.

This book is about remembering, remembering what we are together, that Jesus wanted us to see a new Kingdom. Jesus sat down and ate with the outcast, the useless, the discarded, what is low. When we all show up and do our part, we are the body of Christ.

I receive books free from Thomas Nelson for giving an unbiased review.

[Karie Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nora Gallagher provides a heartfelt look at the transformational aspects of Communion. I especially liked her accounts of the eye-opening experience of fellowship among Christians from different economic backgrounds. She convincingly suggests that Jesus had intended the sacred meal to commemorate what He and the disciples “had together”.




Gallagher’s accounts of the experience of serving Communion was moving and inspiring, but I had hoped to read a book which focused on the “ancient” aspect of this “ancient practice.” Although I identified with many of her thoughts on the sacred meal, I wanted more clear focus and direction, from a Biblical perspective. Still, I recommend this book to anyone interested in a new perspective on the sacred meal.



FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Booksneeze.com. All opinions stated in this review are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[J.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sacred Meal is a part of the 8 book “The Ancient Practices Series” from Thomas Nelson. It is also now the third one I have read in this series, and I must say that I enjoyed this more than the others(Fasting by Douglas Leblanc and The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister). This is clearly a touchy subject but the approach of this series is not to push for the right answers or argue for the proper interpretation.

In The Sacred Meal, Nora Gallagher gives us a balance of the history of the Eucharist(writing herself from an Episcopalian perspective, although not limited to that)as well as some personal experiences she had in different settings. The poignancy of celebrating it in a soup kitchen is remarkable and is very telling as relates to the idea of getting our fill from Christ.

This book was a quick read and would definitely be recommended for anyone looking for some different examples of celebrating Communion outside of what you're used to.

[Kristine Coumbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a reviewer for a book program with Thomas Nelson publishers. I am not required to give this or any book I receive a positive rating. I was attracted by the cover art as well as this book being the second book I have read in the Ancient Practices series. As I was pulled in by the cover art, I wanted to know more about the book. My favorite chapter is towards the end called "Soup Kitchen." I thought this book was strictly about sacrament, holy communion or a ritual like the Last Supper, but it is more than that. Gallagher points out that the sacred meal is a time to thank god and seek closesness to the spirit. To be clear, the book centers on the sacred meal or sacrament then reaches further by showing how the meaning of the sacred meal can be applied to other areas of life. In fact, all the way through the book Gallagher explores who was Jesus Christ and what can we learn from him.

[Nicole]

So I got this book a few years ago from booksneeze. I forgot about it until I got an email from them going if you haven’t reviewed a book your account will be suspended. Here I am, going to write some thoughts about this instead of a review.

To start I really don’t know why I actually requested it. I think I was new to Booksneeze and I just requested the first thing that seemed interesting. But when I got it. I found it completely totally utterly was not my type at all.

I have to say this was a Did not finish for me. I never not finish anything, but this was the first. I think I was more expecting to be sort of kind of factual reasonings and it was more one woman’s journey through various types of communions she’s experienced.

So I’m not going to rate this because it was out of my element and I don’t it is fair to rate something I don’t normally read.

[Tiffany Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this for book club at church, and I liked a the authors personal account of her experiences with communion. We had pretty lively discussion and some disagreement about communion. The author portrayed the communion meal as open to everyone. Most of us agreed that even if the person choosing to partake wasn't educated in the practice, this openess may lead them to ask questions and become a believer.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, but I also share much of the same theological understanding of Holy Commuion and its practice (mostly) as the author. Some of the reviews I read of those who didn't like this book seemed to be because their theology and understanding of Scripture differs from that of the author, and while I respect their opinions and beliefs, I disagree. I think this would be a great book to read in a congregational setting for small groups/"Bible study"/new member class, etc.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

as I ponder a shift in the campus ministry I serve, a move from a service-providing identity to something more spiritual and practice-based, I picked up this entire series, The Ancient Practices Series. there is much in this book too commend. wonderful ways of discussing the Eucharist... but very little in terms of practice. granted, the Eucharist is a mystery, but I had hoped for morethan just personal reflection.

[Adam Shields · Rating 3 out of 5]

My full review at http://bookwi.se/the-sacred-meal-by-n...

Short review is that it is an interesting take. Mostly based around a memoir style of writing. I like the take of looking at the Eucharist through story, but I would have liked a bit more history and/or diversity of theological perspectives.

[Phoenix Richter]

I really enjoyed this book-though the author bounced around a little in not just discussing the Meal but other aspects as well. It wasn't bad--i really enjoyed it. But sometimes it was hard to stay focused.

[KA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give the first half 1 star and the second half 5. Not the level of writing (or editing) I'd have expected from reading Practicing Resurrection, which was amazing! Still, she raises some good questions and insights, and I'd recommend reading the book just for that.