Rick,
Kudos to you for working with your congregation on this. I know that I'm telling you something you already know; but, if presented correctly, it should never be awkward for believers.
It is the family meal of the body of Christ, the oldest ritual of the Church (easily on par with baptism; and with fewer variations), the common thread that reinforces our sense of belonging in our community, and - most importantly - a tangible reminder of grace.
If you'd like, you're welcome to use my lecture notes on in conversations with your congregation. (As a side note, I'll be taking a course in the Spring on Eucharistic liturgies. This program is a dream come true for me ).
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Here's the liturgy we use for the ABC (taken directly from a bulletin, apologies for formatting errors). Why the ABC puts the Agnus Dei after the actual consumption of the elements, I dunno. I could also live without the "signs of" phrase in the closing prayer. Note also that the Lord's Prayer is an adaptation done by one of our staff members. Personally, I don't think you should monkey with the Lord's Prayer; but what do I know?:
THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION
Gracious God, in whom we live and move and have our being, we lift our hearts and offer thanks to you for the wonders of the world about us, for humankind and the richness of love, for each new day of forgiveness and grace. With thanksgiving we remember the one who was with you from the beginning, through whom all things were made, whose life is the light of the world and who became flesh and lived among us as Jesus the Christ. For his life and ministry, for his teaching and example, and for his love,
We thank you, O God.
For his victory on the cross,
We thank you, O God.
For the hope that comes through his resurrection,
We thank you, O God.
For the promise that in him all things shall be made new,
We thank you, O God.
Grant, O God, that your Holy Spirit may be with us, and that through the bread and wine set apart for remembrance and thanksgiving Christ may come to dwell among us, and through him we may know you, whom to know is life eternal.
The Lord’s Prayer
Gracious God in heaven, Hallowed is your name.
May your realm come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil: For it is your realm,
your power, and your glory forever. Amen.
The Words of Institution
The Sharing of the Eucharist
Communion will be served by intinction, that is, the bread is dipped into the cup and then consumed.
Those wishing to have the Eucharist brought to them, please alert an usher with an uplifted hand.
Grape juice will be served from the Lectern (right) side; wine will be served from the Pulpit (left) side.
The Music for Communion Largo in G G. F. Handel
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us your peace.
Let us pray to the Lord:
Most merciful God, take our hands, which have held that which is consecrated, and work through them; Take our lips, which have tasted the signs of the body and blood of our Lord, and speak through them; Take our bodies, which have received the bread and wine, and make them fit temples of your Spirit; Take our minds and mold them, that our thoughts may be your thoughts; Take our hearts and fill them with your love, that we may truly serve you in the world. Amen.
Let us go forth in Christ.
Thanks be to God!
Today’s Communion liturgy is adapted from A Manual of Worship, New Edition, 1993, the worship book of the American Baptist Churches, USA.