Week One: The Bread, the Cup, and the Bowl

Scripture
Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” - Luke 22:19-20
Then Ananias said to Paul, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One and to hear his voice; for you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’ - Acts 22:12-16


Reflection
In our church tradition and as part of our faith, we practice two sacraments: communion and baptism. These sacraments are physical, tangible ways that we remember and put into practice the covenant God made to us as God’s people. We get to taste, smell, and touch the grace of God in the ordinary, everyday elements of the bread and juice of communion, and the waters of baptism. 


During this time when we are separated, we are unable to come to the Table or to the Font with one another. However, as we continue on the journey of faith together (always together), we would like to invite you into a weekly practice of meditating on scripture, engaging questions, and praying- all while pondering and wondering about communion and baptism and our life together as the MAMily. And we look forward with great hope to the day when we will able to reunited in physical space and come to the Table and the Font to celebrate God’s grace and love 
in the bread, the cup and the waters. 


Instructions & Questions
Gather a cup, a plate and a bowl to set aside. We will use these ordinary, everyday items in our weekly practice- the cup and plate to symbolize communion, and the bowl to remind us of baptism. Put them in a place that is set apart but still visible, and bring them out each week when you participate in this practice. 
Question to consider: When you think about communion and baptism, what comes to mind? 
What words, stories, tastes, smells, sounds, etc.?


Prayer
God, we look forward to the day when we are back together with the people we love in the places we love. Until then, help us to grow in faith and hope, and love for You and for one another. Amen.


Featured artwork: Broken for You by Joel Schoon-Tanis