The Shape: All Saints Day

Each year the Christian calendar takes us on a journey with Christ. We anticipate His coming (Advent) and celebrate His arrival (Christmas). We receive Him as the Light of the World that has entered our darkness (Epiphany). We walk with Him on His road to the cross (Lent). We witness His triumphal entry, His crucifixion, and His glorious resurrection (Holy Week and Easter). We stand with His disciples as they watch Him return to His Father (Ascension Day) and as the Holy Spirit gives birth to the Church (Pentecost).

Then during Ordinary Time, this Spirit patiently forms us into the people of God. Near the end of that time

The Shape: Eucharist

The Sacrament we often observe in our services has several different names in Scripture, such as the Lord’s Supper, Communion or Holy Communion, The Table of the Lord, and the Breaking of Bread. One of the oldest names, and one used increasingly today, is “Eucharist.”

The Greek word “eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” A form of the word is found in each of the four New Testament accounts of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14- 24; I Corinthians 11:23-26) where Jesus gave thanks over the bread and the cup before