Communion at Nags Head Church (Pt. 2)

Because of these Biblical principles (in the previous post) that guide our observance of Communion, which includes liberty, Nags Head Church's approach to Communion allows us to both form our own traditions and stay true to the Scriptures.

For example, we observe Communion on Wednesdays, on Sundays, on at least one Friday and then on Christmas Eve, whenever that falls each year. Starting in 1991 when Rick came as our pastor, we went from a church that celebrated communion once/quarter (4 times a year) to a monthly celebration on Sunday evenings. That change kept in mind that Communion is the most intimate gathering of the church. On Sunday nights we were able to have more of that "family reunion" time that Sunday mornings couldn't provide with so many guests.

We also for many years included a covered dish meal that typically followed the Lord's Supper. Logistically, however, even after moving into the new building we found ourselves out of space for everyone to sit together. That dictated we do something differently. God uses things like crowding to move us forward. Our belief that as we grow larger we should be growing smaller at the same time through Connection Groups gave us the natural transition to allow "meal fellowships" to become part of our small group strategy. And think about it, even in a room with 150 people at tables, your real fellowship is limited to those at your table.

Because our Sunday worship gatherings take into account that the church is inviting and bringing their non-believing friends moved us to establish a second worship gathering designed especially for believers. That led us to begin First Wednesdays, and we then began to observe Communion at those gatherings.

Back in the summer of 2010, realizing some folks' schedules just made it difficult to be at church midweek the elders decided to add some additional Sunday mornings throughout the year as Communion gatherings as well. In July and August of 2009 and 2010 Communion was held on Sundays, and our plan now is to offer it at least once per quarter on Sunday mornings.

One of the great characteristics of NHC is that change is part of our make-up. We're not afraid to change if and when we see it is needed or beneficial and when that change is in keeping with our vision and purpose.

So,in addition to the 9 or 10 First Wednesdays, we'll be having Communion 4-5 times on Sundays plus Good Friday and Christmas Eve. That means at NHC you’ll have at least 15 opportunities to come to the Lord’s Table.

The key to Communion is not when it is observed or even how often, but that whenever we come together around the Lord's Table it is with a clean heart of gratitude for what Jesus did for us on the cross. And it is our conviction that every partner do all he/she can to participate as often as possible.