by Sandy » Wed Dec 02, 2015 10:25 am
Since I view communion as a time of memorial and personal reflection, and not a sacramental dispensing of grace through the elements, the frequency of it bears little importance. It's not mentioned anywhere in Acts, and Paul only gives it a passing reference in I Corinthians, without instruction as to its frequency, and only a note on its symbolic value in proclaiming the Lord's death. I think a pastor is probably better capable of discerning the need of his congregation in needing to use this particular illustration to remind them of Christ's sacrifice than a denominational leader.
I do appreciate the creativity that many pastors put into how communion is served. I've been in small churches where the whole worship experience was focused on it, and where foot washing was included as part of the experience. I've been in "common cup" ceremonies. And I have to say that, in spite of a difference of opinion on symbolic or sacramental, one of the most meaningful experiences I've had with communion was in St. John's Church in Washington, DC. They have a noon service every day, and instead of just ritual questions, the priest asked specifically if there were things in my life which needed repentance before I was worthy to receive, and then prayed with me before serving. He didn't ask me to confess to him, but it was a very personal touch that demonstrated the sanctity of the moment.
If you hold a sacramental view of baptism and communion, where does foot washing fit into that? It's part of the experience, and it is in the narrative in the same context as the supper itself.