(This kernal of a communion service explores two different cultural perspectives - those of gender and of east-west - in the participation in God's new table public.)
The Rice
Today we remember Christ's presence with earth's voiceless majority. The whole world waits eagerly for the new Passover out of bondage. God's elected one extends to us this body broken for those who are born unwanted. who toil in rice paddies and who die yearning for citizenship in God's republic. Today we declare that Christ is eternally present by his resurrection promise, not only then in Jerusalem, but now in Beijing and Atlanta, and yet again in the New Creation yet to come.
Take, eat, be nourished in union with all the saints.
The Milk
In this assembly of liberation we can lift our voices to God and share our faith with one another. God's still small voice is present to us in the earthquakes and fires of our world. Though motherless, we have God as our true mother. In this fellowship God gives us the milk of divine wisdom and nurtures us toward our full maturity.
Drink now of her love, her justice and her life poured out for all in this assembly for all peoples.
Prayer After Communion
O God, Giver of all life, even as we are renewed in this act of memory and hope today, we long for the perfection of your whole creation. We pray today that no life be lost to your love, no voice go unheard or unanswered in the power of your peace. In the name of Jesus, our advocate, who goes before us and yet remains with us forever. Amen.
Benediction
We have spoken, God has
answered.
God has spoken, we have answered.
So now let us go forth to give ourselves in witness to the Wisdom, the power
and the love of God. Amen.
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