Explore A Place at the Table with a behind-the-scenes look at "The Last Supper" gathering and more about the Holy Sacrament of Communion, including some of the traditions of The United Church of Canada.
This video invites you to witness the profound moments of connection and community as we come together to break bread, share stories, and embrace our neighbors. Through deep faith and a sense of belonging, we explore the fullness of humanity and the divine reflected in each person. Join us in this journey of vulnerability, curiosity, and authentic self-expression, as we celebrate inclusivity, diversity, and the joy of relationships formed in challenging times.
The Significance of the Last Supper
The Last Supper, as told in scripture, found Jesus gathered at the table with his friends. It would be their final meal shared together before Jesus was betrayed, arrested, crucified, hung on a cross to die, buried, and rose again on the third day in resurrection. These events are recorded in the gospel accounts in the Bible.
At the Last Supper, the disciples were gathered in an upper room, observing Passover with Jesus. After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus shared bread and wine, inviting them to do this in remembrance of him.
Sacrament of Holy Communion
The Sacrament of Holy Communion, also referred to as the celebration of the Eucharist, is our act of sharing the commemoration of the Last Supper, bringing together all who gather to come and share in a place at the table. The United Church of Canada celebrates an open table. All are invited to share in receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. In The United Church of Canada, grape juice, not wine, is used. Different breads are often used, including gluten-free options.
We gather in remembrance of Jesus. We are connected with people all over the world, who gather in secret and in freedom, in homes, in buildings, in open fields, in many different places of worship; people from every street corner of the world and in places where there are no streets; people celebrating this time to eat bread like ours, different from ours, and some having other foods of their culture. We think of those who will drink juice, wine, or other fruit according to their custom.
Our faith in Jesus Christ, seekers, and believers in the love of God unites us all.
Jesus invited fishermen and tax collectors, those who doubted and those who betrayed. We gather at this table, not because God commands us but because God invites us. In this meal, God connects us as kin in Christ. All are welcome, valued, needed here. Come! You have a place at the table.
Learn More
If you would like to read the gospel accounts of the Last Supper, you can explore various versions of the Bible. There are many transliterations, from traditional to contemporary, including versions like “The Inclusive Bible,” which uses inclusive language. Currently, academics suggest that the English version closest to the original translations from Hebrew and Greek is the New Revised Standard Updated Edition.
In The United Church of Canada, people participate in Communion a minimum of four times per year. Some communities of faith choose to celebrate Communion more frequently. Meet the Rev. Oliver Dingwell being interviewed as part of “Edgey Conversations.” Learn about Cowan Heights United Church in St. John’s, NL, who have made Communion part of every worship service, and the impact they are experiencing. Watch the interview.
Feel free to explore and join us in celebrating the inclusivity and diversity of our community.
