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THE LOVE FEASTThe Love Feast (Agape Meal), is a fellowship meal remembering the meals Jesus shared with his friends & followers expressing the koinonia (community, sharing, fellowship) enjoyed by the family of Christ. Although its origins in the early church are closely interconnected with the origins of the Lord's Supper, the two became distinct and should not be confused with each other. While the Lord's Supper has been practically universal among Christians throughout church history, the Love Feast has appeared only at certain times and among certain denominations.The modern history of the Love Feast began when Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians in Germany introduced a service of sharing food, prayer, religious conversation, and hymns in 1727. John Wesley first experienced it among the Moravians in Savannah, Georgia, ten years later. It became a feature of the Evangelical Revival and a regular part of Methodist society meetings. As Methodists immigrated to North America they made Love Feasts an important part of early American Methodism.One of the advantages of the Love Feast is that any Christian may conduct it. (Communion in the UMC requires the presence and institutional acts of ordained clergy.) Everyone gathered can participate and lead in the Love Feast.Testimonies and praise are the focal point in most Love Feasts. These include personal witness to God's grace or accounts of what God has been doing in the lives of others. Praise may take the form of hymns, songs, choruses, or spoken exclamations. Prayer is vital to a Love Feast. A fixed form of prayer may be used, especially something like the Lord's Prayer or something that is familiar to the people. Spontaneous prayer requests and prayers may also be offered by those gathered.Scripture is also important. There may be scripture readings, or persons may quote Scripture spontaneously as the Spirit moves.Most Love Feasts include sharing food. It is customary not to use communion bread, wine, or grape juice because to do so might confuse the Love Feast with the Lord's Supper. Bread included in the feast may be a loaf of ordinary bread, crackers, rolls, or a sweet bread. The beverage has usually been water, but other beverages can be used.The Love Feast may also precede or be followed by a full meal. The setting is traditionally the people gathered around a table. It atmosphere may be enhanced with lighting or decorations to emphasize a special occasion. (e.g. for Maundy Thursday you may want to remember Jesus washing the disciple’s feet with a pitcher of water, a bowl, and a towel, and/or a wine goblet & bread, or candles).You will need access and visibility to YouTube via computer if you choose to use the music and video links provided. Feel free to be adjust the suggested Love Feast format for your family’s needs.Opening MusicTraditional Hymn: Blessed Be the Tie That Binds (UMH 557) or Worship: Hold Us Together (Matt Maher) present at our table, Lord;Be here and everywhere adored;Thy creatures bless, and grant that weMay feast in paradise with Thee. (JOHN CENICK)Read John 13:1-20 Jesus Washes the Disciples Feet(you may wash each other’s hands or feet before eating to remember this act of Jesus – it is important for children & youth to wash other’s hands/feet to share in the act of service)Share stories of Grace and Thankfulness (Children call these God Sightings)Read John 6:25 –35 Jesus the Bread of LifeShare the BreadRead John 7:37 – 39 Jesus is the Living WaterPour Water & Drink ItPray Inviting God’s Continuing PresenceMusic Simplicity (Rend Collective) at Lord’s Prayer Read Mark 14:12-25 Passover & the Lord’s SupperWatch Last Supper Scene from The Passion of the Christ at Or Families with younger children might prefer the Saddleback Kids Video of the Last Supper: Hymn: Spirit of the Living God (393 UMH) or Worship: How He Loves Us (David Crowder) at Read Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus Prays in Gethsemane ................
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