A "communion" service
This is an adaptation of my intergenerational "Teaching Tables" liturgy to cater for younger primary school children and non-churchy families who are beginning to engage with sacramental theology.
The setup for such a gathering is best in a hall with six to eight chairs around tables. We have access to a commercial kitchen, so we will have pre-prepared trays of focaccia dough and toppings for decorating before they are popped into the oven to bake while we explore communion together through (child-friendly) liturgy, music, and conversation.
Welcome and Acknowledgment of Country
Opening activity – Focaccia “Art” Station
and introductory questions for those who don’t want to decorate:
- What do you LOVE to eat?
- What don’t you EVER want to see on your plate?
- What have you come hungry for tonight?
Welcome to the Table
Tables are special places where we come together.
Here, we share food, pass plates, break bread, and tell stories.
These stories help us remember
who we are,
where we come from,
and what we hope for together.
Does anyone here have a “table” story they’d like to share with us today?
*allow some time of sharing*
then
THE WIDOW’S STORY FROM 1 Kings 17:7-16
This story comes from a time long ago,
when things were really tough,
and people weren’t sure if they’d have enough to eat.
Once, there was a man named Elijah. He was a prophet, someone who listened to God and tried to help others do the same. Elijah had been living near a little stream but after many days with no rain, the water dried up. There wasn’t even a trickle left!
But God didn’t forget about Elijah. God spoke to him and said, “Elijah, I want you to travel to a town called Zarephath. There’s a woman there—a widow—who will help you and share her food.”
So off Elijah went, hot and tired, dusty from his journey.
When he finally reached the town gate, he saw a woman gathering sticks. This woman was the widow God had mentioned. Elijah called out, “Excuse me! Could you please bring me a little water to drink?”
The woman nodded and started off to get some water. Before she got too far, Elijah added, “Oh, and while you’re at it, could you bring me a piece of bread too?”
The woman stopped. She looked sad and worried. She said, “I’m sorry. I don’t have any bread. All I have left is a handful of flour in a jar and a little bit of oil in a jug. I was just about to go home and make one last meal for my son and me. After that, well… we don’t have any more food.”
Elijah saw how scared she was. He gently said, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do what you were going to do, but first make a small loaf of bread for me. Then, make some for you and your son. God promises that the jar of flour and the jug of oil won’t run out until the rain comes back and the land is filled with food again.”
The woman listened to Elijah, even though it sounded like an impossible promise. She took the last of her flour and oil, made some bread for Elijah, and then for herself and her son.
And guess what? The jar of flour never emptied, and the jug of oil never ran dry!
Every day, there was just enough for Elijah, the woman, and her son.
God kept the promise, and there was always enough.
Remembering Jesus
At this table, I remember the stories of Jesus.
He often sat at tables and welcomed everyone –
even people that others thought weren’t good enough,
even people that others thought didn’t belong.
No matter who you are, you are welcome here.
Take a moment to feel the warmth and welcome of this place.
*self-hug or high-five sharing of peace as people are most comfortable*
Our Host and Our Table
Jesus, the Friend who welcomes us to his table,
teaches us through food and friendship.
He shows us how to make our ordinary tables
into places of kindness and fairness.
Let’s think about these things:
- What do you think it’s like to know that you’re down to your last bit of bread and there’s no more food or money coming?
- How do we feel when there’s not enough – food or chairs or space – and have to miss out?
- How can a little bit become enough for everyone?
- Who isn’t here with us, and how can we invite them?
For the next few minutes, choose one of these questions to think about together.
A Special Invitation
Jesus says:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
What a blessing it is to share a meal at God’s table!
The Mystery of Sharing
Jesus shows us how wonderful it is to give and share.
He offers us food that fills our hearts, not just our stomachs.
When we eat bread and drink together, we remember his love for us.
When we break the bread, we remember Jesus’ body given for us.
When we pour the juice, we remember his love poured out for all.
Spirit of Love
bless the breaking of this bread,
and the pouring of this cup,
and our eating and drinking together.
Fill us up with love –
for you, for one another,
for those who sit at other tables,
and for those who are hungry and thirsty this night –
so that we can share your promise that there’s always enough
and work for a world with no harm, no hunger, and no hate.
Amen.
Sharing the Meal
Now let’s share our meal,
giving thanks for each other and for all we have.
*sharing is done by placing plates of fresh bread and jugs of grape at the individual tables where people break and share together*
Thankful Hearts and Ready Hands
With full hearts, we say, “We are thank-full!”
Let’s name some things we are thankful for.
*People share their thanks*
With empty hands, we say, “We are ready!”
Let’s think about what we are ready to do next.
*People share their ideas*
May we live between this meal and the next
with thankful hearts and hands ready to share.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Liturgies 4life 
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