Pastoral Relationship with People with Intellectual ... - Theses

208Jesus is the Lamb of God,who takes away the sin of the world.Happy are those who are called to his supper. 552An invitation to all to receive the elements where they are seated isoffered. I hand the chalice of grape juice to my assistant while I take hold of asmall plate of wafers. We proceed to the congregation. 553The residents wait their turn as familiar hymns and songs are played onthe piano. The dipped wafer is placed on the tongue and left to dissolve as theWords of Distribution are uttered.The body and blood of Christ keep you in eternal life. 554Smiles may be shared. A gentle hand on the shoulder is offered. Anoccasional ‘thank you’ is mouthed by one who can speak.A few, for reasons of denominational sensitivity, or because of problemswith swallowing, do not receive the elements. Words of inclusion are stilloffered,God bless you and keep you always.With the distribution complete I return to the Communion table and, witharms outstretched, offer the Words of Peace.The Peace of the Lord be always with you.… And also with you. 555I invite those who are physically able to move to those less able and sharewith them a personal Word of Peace.With the noise of this sharing subsiding a final familiar hymn is sung –“Jesus Loves Me.” An old, familiar hymn such as this is much loved.A Benediction is offered with arms stretched wide and those present areinvited to say with me if able, at the top of their collective voice, an almightyAmen!552 Uniting Church in Australia, Assembly Commission on and Liturgy. Holy Communion:Three Orders of Service. Edited by Uniting Church in Australia Assembly Commission onLiturgy, Uniting Church Worship Services. (Melbourne: The Joint Board of ChristianEducation of Australia and New Zealand, 1980), service three, 34.553 The method of distribution is intinction – soluble wafer dipped in juice and placed on thetongues of those who wish to receive – this being the most accessible form of distribution,especially for those who cannot hold the elements, or chew.554 adapted from,ibid., 35.555ibid., 31.