With increasing numbers of people participating in church online, making communion accessible to your entire congregation is more important than ever. Whether they are physically present in church or at home watching your live-stream, communion is a holy sacrament and should be observed by all.
However, there are some logistics to the online communion service.. The “comfort of one’s own home” may feel too informal or less reverent for some people. For pastors engaged in communion for virtual services, leading the service remotely takes a bit of preparation. The guide below includes three easy steps to help you provide church communion for home bound individuals.
Understanding the Importance of Inclusive Communion
Communion is a sacrament that has been central to Christianity for centuries. This important ritual brings the church together in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. This is why all believers regardless of physical location should participate in communion, as it is essential for fostering a sense of gratitude and community within the church.
Communion for virtual services is a great way to include people who for one reason or another cannot be physically present in the church for the service.
Implementing Communion for Virtual Services
1. Preparing for the Virtual Sacrament
You first need to notify your congregation about the upcoming communion service at least a few weeks in advance. Remember, communion is not just another service. Communicating beforehand the date and time of the service will help them prepare by having the elements- bread and wine or grape juice- on hand. Preparing communion for virtual service in advance will allow for a more seamless and reverent experience during the service.
On a technical note, be sure your live-streaming equipment is functioning properly. Camera, microphones and lighting need to be set up properly so that the live-stream is of the highest quality possible.
2. Conducting the Service
Now that you are all set up, you can start the service. During the service, make sure to guide participants through the communion steps. This is important, as not every online participant may understand the sacrament. Explain each step of the process and its spiritual significance in simple terms. Utilise visual aids or on-screen text to assist those who may have hearing impairments or are unfamiliar with the proceedings.
You can also incorporate music in the virtual service to make it more engaging and also set the tone. For better engagement, encourage participants to share prayers or a word of reflection.
3. Post-Service Engagement
After the service, physically (and virtually) open up the podium for fellowship and discussion. You can achieve this by setting up virtual breakout rooms or online forums so that participants can share their experiences and reflections wherever they may be.
Facilitating Church Communion Set for Home bound Individuals
1. Identifying Home bound Members
Seek help from church leadership and other church members to identify those who are unable to attend communion service in person. This may include those who are sick, the elderly or those who may be committed somewhere else like work. Knowing these people will help better understand their unique circumstances and enable you to serve them better.
2. Assembling Home Communion Sets
Prepare Home Communion sets with all the necessary elements for the service. These sets should include everything an individual will need for the service, assembled with care so that the individual can participate from home while still remaining respectful to the sacrament.
3. Coordinating Deliveries
After preparing the sets, you will need to deliver them to the identified individuals. You can organise a team of volunteers to help you deliver in a timely manner. However, before delivery make sure everyone is informed about the schedule.
4. Providing Guidance
Include written instructions or offer virtual guidance on how to participate in communion from home. This creates a meaningful and reverent observance.
Utilising Online Communion Kits
While Home communion sets are the most popular way of helping individuals at home participate in the service, sources like Kingdom.com provide online communion kits that offer a convenient and respectful way to participate in the sacrament. These kits typically include all the pre-packaged elements that are easy to distribute and use.
Benefits of Online Communion Kits
- Convenience: Ready-to-use kits simplify the preparation process.
- Sanitary: Pre-packaged elements reduce the risk of contamination.
- Accessibility: Kits can be mailed or delivered, ensuring that all members can participate.
Here are some customer favorite portable communion sets:
Portable Communion Set with 4 Glasses
At only $38.95 this portable communion set has everything you need for a virtual worship sacrament. It is perfect for hospital visitation, small groups and more!
The set includes:
- 4 Glasses
- 1 1.6oz. Bottle for Juice
- 1 Aluminium Container for Wafers or Bread
- Leather-look Case
Portable Communion Set in Cloth Case
This portable Communion set includes 25 disposable Communion cups in a reusable plastic sleeve, 1.6 oz bottle for juice, and an aluminium container for wafers. All of this is easily transported in the included cloth case.
This portable Communion Set serves up to 12 People!
It’s a leather – look, zippered case with velour interior. Includes 12 clear plastic communion cups, 2 oz. bottle with lid for juice, aluminium tin for bread/wafers, and an anointing oil vial. Zips open and closed.
In Remembrance of Me Portable Communion Set
The ‘In Remembrance of Me Portable Communion Set’ is a thoughtful and convenient way to celebrate communion anywhere. Crafted with care, this set includes a sturdy stainless steel tray, six delicate glass cups, a 2 oz stainless steel container for wine or juice, an oil vial, and an aluminium container for hosts. The compact dimensions of 8-5/8″ W x 4-3/4″ H make it easily portable for on-the-go worship. Made from high-quality materials like vinyl, stainless steel, aluminium, glass, and plastic, this communion set ensures a sacred and reverent experience. Carry the spirit of communion with you wherever you go.
Ensuring that all members of the congregation can participate in communion, regardless of their physical location, is a testament to the church’s commitment to inclusivity and spiritual care. By implementing thoughtful strategies and utilising resources like Online Communion Kits, churches can uphold the sanctity of the Virtual Worship Sacrament and provide meaningful experiences for all believers.
