"Setting the Table"Luke 22: 7-13; Exodus 12: 43-51

Grab bagging about the behind-the-scenes preparation for the Lord's Table.

1. I have a story about the history of the recipe for the communion bread we use each month.

2.  I included the story of the Passover, both because of its connection to the Lord's Supper, but also because of its gate keeping element.  You had to be considered one of the Israelites to participate in the Passover.  Other traditions through the years have put fences around the Lord's Table.  We act as if we are open, but our polity and words before we come to the Table include the provision that people "be baptized and trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior," which is a fence.   What fences to you see that churches put around the Lord's Table?  I would love a couple of illustrations of them to use in the sermon

3.  I have reflected on how setting the Table on a daily basis was on the chore list growing up.  Not much joy in that task.  But, when we had (now have for my family) a big dinner at Thanksgiving or Christmas, setting the Table is often a favorite task.  Any stories you have of setting the Table would be appreciated.
What is the difference?

4. Growing up we only had communion quarterly and on Maundy Thursday.  Something about not wanting to take the specialness (I may have just made up this word) away by having it occur to often.  Catholics can have communion every day.  In seminary, we celebrated it once a week.  Does frequency make it less meaningful?

5.  Presbyterians practice the passing of the elements in the trays to model that we share the elements with each other, rather than having to come to the priest (minister) to receive the elements.  I wonder how many feel the passing of the trays works to connect us, as opposed to making the serving of communion more formal, cold, and businesslike.

6.  Generally when elders talk about powerful moments that took place during their work, they mention serving the elements on the Sundays people come forward to receive them.

7.  Tell me the most powerful communion service you have ever experienced.

8.  we have to "advertise" that we are celebrating communion so that people can prepare themselves; share with me if you do anything different in preparing for worship if you know we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper.