Be present, be present, O Jesus, our great High Priest, as you were present with your disciples, and be know to us in the breaking of bread; who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Book of Common Prayer, p. 634. Before Receiving Communion

At St. John the Divine Episcopal Church, all who are baptized including children are welcome to receive the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Lord (also called Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion) no matter from what tradition you come or where you are in your faith journey. We believe the altar belongs entirely to God who chooses to feed all creation.

If you do not want to receive communion, please come forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest as you stand or kneel at the altar rail.

To receive the bread, hold your hands out, palms up with one hand crossed over the other. To receive the wine, assist the Chalice Bearer (the one offering the Blood of Christ) by guiding the base of the chalice with your hand. To receive the bread and wine together, dip the bread slightly into the wine. Please respond to receiving Christ's Body and Blood with "Amen."