“When we come to the table for communion, God knows how we feel. So if we've messed up, if we feel unloved — God knows all those things, and when we leave, we leave to be the people who God calls us to be,” says Glenys Nellist, United Methodist children’s book author.
Nellist’s new book, “Gathered at the Table: Celebrating Communion,” and its companion book, “Baptized in the Water: Becoming a Member of God’s Family,” helps parents, grandparents, Sunday School teachers and others explain the sacraments and their importance.
“These mysterious rites that Jesus instituted, that we don’t quite understand, but that have stood the test of time, that have identified Christians ever since Jesus was on the Earth… I wanted to capture the wonder, the mystery, and give people a chance to ponder the sacraments for themselves,” explains Nellist.
Communion unites us
“The book begins with the Last Supper and then illustrates varying places in which communion is taken, in various ways. It doesn't matter at what age, or how, or what kind of bread it is, whether we dip it, or whether we have a common cup, none of that matters. What matters is that, in communion, we all remember Jesus.
“Yes, Jesus did give his life for us, and wants us to remember that as we break bread, but I think more than his death, Jesus wants us to remember his life," shares Nellist. "For some, communion might be a very solemn time, but for others it's the celebration of, ‘I'm remembering what Jesus did for me,’ and that's not just dying on the cross, that is teaching me how to love.
“None of us knows how an individual feels when they're going up to take that bread and wine. Some might feel happy, some might be carrying heavy burdens and some might need forgiveness. It's amazing, isn't it, that God knows all those feelings, and meets us at the altar so that hopefully, we're sent out into the world refreshed and knowing that we're loved, and every day is a new day.”
About Glenys Nellist
Born and raised in England, Glenys Nellist now lives in Michigan. Previously a teacher and a children’s minister, she has authored 40 children’s books, both fiction and non-fiction, that help children discover joy and hope in the world.
“Gathered at the Table,” recommended for children aged 4-8, is published by Zonderkidz and is available to purchase wherever good books are sold.
Explanation for all ages
Children who attend worship services regularly are likely to see, or participate in, communion often, but it can be challenging to explain exactly what it’s all about. Describing it as the body and blood of Christ might be scary for some children.
The book’s mix of poetry and prose makes it easier for caregivers to delve into talking about the sacrament in an age-appropriate way. With young children, reading the poetry portion helps to keep their attention. For older children, the poetry and prose read together can deepen understanding.
As caregivers are reading the book, they can ask the children questions about what they see in the illustrations, if they remember taking communion, or if they see a child in the pictures that looks like them. This will often prompt further questions and discussions about faith.
Beyond the book
A free activity pack that accompanies the book includes tips for talking about communion, wondering questions to ask children, puzzles, coloring sheets and more.
The poetry portion of the book is available as a liturgy reading that can be used at any time of the year, but many churches are incorporating it into their World Communion Sunday worship service the first Sunday in October. The last pages of the book discuss this special day to celebrate interconnectedness in Christian churches across the globe.
“Even adults can appreciate a book like this that just helps them to remember our commonalities as Christians across the world,” Nellist encourages.
As the book says, “Together in communion, one family — young and old, we celebrate together, as ancient words are told.”
Laura Buchanan works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact her by email.
This story was published on September 27, 2024.
