A Feast of Friends

a template for a Didache-base dinner-table Eucharist

Feast of Friends

1 of 7

rev. 9/26/11

Gathering
Congregation gathers for hors doeuvres and conversation Deacons continue preparing the space, invite people to help, chat etc.

:00

Lamplighting
Deacon takes a candle, shakes a sistrum and says

Deacon
People

Light and Peace in Jesus Christ our Lord!

Thanks be to God!

Presider Deacon

[sings a collect] Well sing _______________ at number ___ in your books. As we sing find a place at the tables. Table Heads please come and take light from this light (gesture to candle) and light the candles at your table.
People sing lamplighting hymn and stand at table places.

Blessing the First Cup and Bread

Deacon Presider Everyone please lift a glass of whatever you are drinking. Father, we give you thanks for the holy vine of your servant David, which you made known to us through Jesus your servant.
Glory to you forever and ever. All drink from their cups
Feast of Friends

People

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rev. 9/26/11

Deacon Presider

Someone from each table, please hold up high the loaf of bread for the blessing. Mother, we give you thanks for the life and knowledge you sent us through Jesus your child.
Glory to you forever and ever.

People

Presider

As grain was scattered across the hills then gathered and made one in this bread, so may your church, scattered to the ends of the earth, be gathered and made one in your kingdom.
All glory and power are yours through Jesus Christ forever and ever!

People

Dinner with Conversation

Deacon Give instructions for how the meal is served, buffet style or family style, with table heads bringing courses to the table.

Guided conversations or other events take place during dinner.

Handwashing
Deacons after dessert is served bring a bowl of warm water and hand towel to each table.

Deacon

Use the finger bowl now to wash your hands, then pass the bowl and towel to the next person. Then hand around the bowl of herbs to smell, rub [wear in your hair whatever!]
Deacons bring chalices of altar wine to the Presiders table while People wash their hands.

Feast of Friends

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rev. 9/26/11

Blessing the Final Cup

Presider
People

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Presider
People

Lift up your hearts

We lift them to the Lord

Presider
People

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Presider

Holy God, we give you thanks for your holy name, which you planted in our hearts and for the knowledge, faith and immortality you sent us through Jesus your child.
Glory to you forever and ever.

People

Presider

You created everything mighty, Lord, for the glory of your name. You gave us food and drink for our pleasure and that we might give you thanks; You have blessed us with spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your child. Above all we thank you because you are mighty.
Glory to you forever and ever.

People

Presider

Remember Lord to deliver your church from all evil and teach it to love you perfectly. You have made it holy; now build it up and gather it from the four winds into the kingdom you have prepared for it.
Amen!

People

Feast of Friends

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rev. 9/26/11

Deacon

Well clean up together. As we do, the cantors will sing psalms and well all sing an Alleluia refrain. When everything is cleaned up well gather back here in the center for the closing. The Alleluia is easy and it goes like this: (demonstrate and lead right in to psalm singing.)
People clean up the bulk of the work. Cantor and Deacons communicate by eye when the work is done and Cantor brings the psalms to a close while Deacons motion People back to the gathering place.

Cantor

Peace Presider
People

The Peace of the Lord be with you!

And also with you! All pass the Peace.

END.
Coordinator makes any announcements about leftovers that need to be made, etc., and people depart.

Feast of Friends

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rev. 9/26/11

a Feast of Friends
Blessing the First Cup and Bread
Presider Father, we give you thanks for the holy vine of your servant David, which you made known to us through Jesus your servant.

People
Presider

Glory to you forever and ever.

Mother, we give you thanks for the life and knowledge you sent us through Jesus your child.

People
Presider

Glory to you forever and ever.

Take a sip from the cup you are holding.

As grain was scattered across the hills then gathered and made one in this bread, so may your church, scattered to the ends of the earth, be gathered and made one in your kingdom.

People

All glory and power are yours through Jesus Christ forever and ever!
Dinner continues and guided conversation or other activities follow here. Note: At the conclusion of the meal turn this page over for the final blessing.

Feast of Friends

6 of 7

rev. 9/26/11

Blessing the Final Cup

Presider The Lord be with you.

People
Presider

And also with you.

Lift up your hearts

People
Presider

We lift them to the Lord

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People
Presider

It is right to give God thanks and praise.

Holy God, we give you thanks for your holy name which you planted in our hearts and for the knowledge, faith and immortality you sent us through Jesus your child.

People
Presider

Glory to you forever and ever.

You created everything mighty, Lord Above all we thank you because you are mighty.

People
Presider

Glory to you forever and ever.

Remember Lord to deliver your church from all evil into the kingdom you have prepared for it.

People

Amen!
All clean up singing Alleluia!

Feast of Friends

7 of 7

rev. 9/26/11