COMMUNION PREPARATION GUIDELINES (Updated 4/1/06)
FOR ALL SERVERS (Instructions below)
- Servers will enter the sanctuary single file from the left door (all directions from congregation’s left/right) and be seated in the front rows. Servers 1-3 on the right side, 4&5 on the left.
- All servers to the communion table to pick up elements.
- Server numbers 1, 2, 4 & 5 serve the Minister(s), Worship Assistant, Organist and Choir, and then proceed to the top of chancel steps. Server number 3 goes down the center aisle and serves the balcony.
- Servers 1, 2, 4 & 5 return to starting positions, and when all are ready, proceed down steps to serve the aisles.
- The elements will be passed to the center and returned to the server. Each pair will serve each aisle together, working at their own pace, without regard for the pace of other pairs. Upon completion of serving the aisles, they will proceed to the rear of the sanctuary and take up their return order position.
- When all servers are ready, the bread will be returned to the communion table. This will be repeated for the wine.
- The minister(s) then serve the servers in their pew.
SERVER ONE
1. Lead servers into the sanctuary to your assigned seat.
2. Go to communion table as a group and line up left to right 5 through 1. Minister will hand tray to each server and then take a seat.
3. Server one serves the lay leader (and MIT) then turns to front of back row of women’s side of choir and passes tray. Move to front row and receive tray from this row. Return to top step of chancel to starting position.
4. Go down the steps and proceed to the window side of the pews. Pass tray to the center of the row, and wait for its return, serving each row at the same pace as the server in the center aisle.
5. Proceed to rear of sanctuary. Wait for all servers, then line up in return order and return the bread trays. The same procedure is followed for the wine.
6. Return to your seat after returning the second (wine) tray to be served by the minister.
Return order:
5 1
4 2
3
SERVER TWO
7. Follow server one into the sanctuary to your assigned seat.
8. Go to communion table as a group and line up left to right 5 through 1. Minister will hand tray to each server and then take a seat.
9. Server two goes to rear of front row of women’s side of choir. Start tray down front row of choir. Remain here and receive plate from back row, then proceed to top step of chancel in your position..
4 When all servers are in position, go down the steps to the center aisle. Pass tray to the center of the row and wait for its return, serving each row at the same pace as your serving partner.
5. Proceed to rear of sanctuary. Wait for all servers, then line up in return order and return the bread trays. The same procedure is followed for the wine.
6. Return to your seat after returning the second (wine) tray to be served by the minister.
Return order:
6 1
5 2
3
SERVER THREE
10. Follow server two into the sanctuary to your assigned seat.
11. Go to communion table as a group and line up left to right 5 through 1. Minister will hand tray to each server and then take a seat.
12. Server three serves the balcony. When all servers have received their trays, and begin serving the minister and choir, turn and proceed up the center aisle to the balcony. Use your best judgement as to how to serve based on how people are seated..
5 When you have finished the balcony, proceed to the rear of the sanctuary and serve ushers and others that may be in the back..
5. Wait for all servers, then line up in return order and return the bread trays. The same procedure is followed for the wine.
6. Return to your seat after returning the second (wine) tray to be served by the minister.
Return order:
7 1
6 2
3
SERVER FOUR
13. Follow server three into the sanctuary to your assigned seat.
14. Go to communion table as a group and line up left to right 5 through 1. Minister will hand tray to each server and then take a seat.
15. Server four serves the minister, then starts tray down the front row of the men’s choir. Remain there to receive tray from back row of choir (started by server five) When you receive tray, return to top step of chancel to your position.
4 When all servers are in position, go down the steps to the center aisle. Pass tray to the center of the row and wait for its return, serving each row at the same pace as your serving partner.
16. Proceed to rear of sanctuary. Wait for all servers, then line up in return order and return the bread trays. The same procedure is followed for the wine.
17. Return to your seat after returning the second (wine) tray to be served by the minister.
Return order:
8 1
7 2
3
SERVER FIVE
1. Follow server four into the sanctuary to your assigned seat.
2. Go to communion table as a group and line up left to right 5 through 1. Minister will hand tray to each server and then take a seat.
3. Server five serves organist, then moves to front of back row of men’s side of choir and starts tray. Server then moves to front row and receives tray started by server four. Return to front of table and assume position in 5 to 1 order, facing the congregation.
4. Go down the steps and proceed to the window side of the pews. Pass tray to the center of the row, and wait for its return, serving each row at the same pace as the server in the center aisle.
5. Proceed to rear of sanctuary. Wait for all servers, then line up in return order and return the bread trays. The same procedure is followed for the wine.
6. Return to your seat after returning the second (wine) tray to be served by the minister.
Return order:
5 1
4 2
3