Holy Communion: Celebrating God with Us

Experience God in the here and now through Communion.

This book explores how
celebrating the presence of God With Us through Holy Communion nourishes
our souls, refreshes our sense of community, and equips us for mission
in Christ's name. Yet many Christians do not understand Communion or see
it only as an empty ritual. Because of that, low worship attendance or
enthusiasm commonly accompanies Communion Sundays—leaving churches
feeling spiritually depleted. This book provides insights and practical
suggestions for giving this sacrament a more prominent role, not just
in church life, but in the Christian formation of individuals.

For small groups, Sunday school classes, and as a preaching resource, Holy Communion: Celebrating God with Us by
Kenneth M. Loyer and general editor William H. Willimon is suitable for
a four-week study and includes discussion questions at the end of each
chapter.

The Belief Matters series assists pastors and clergy in explaining fundamental elements of the church and its worship to congregations. Holy Communion is the second in the series and follows Incarnation by William H. Willimon.

“I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Holy Communion, spiritual renewal or church vitality. Loyer’s offering is highly readable yet still substantive. Indeed, there is plenty of meat on the bones here even for those well-read in liturgical theology and worship or church growth more broadly. Moreover, each chapter contains a series of reflection questions and a prayer, making it ideal for small groups and Sunday School classes. I highly recommend this new resource for both, as well as churchwide study.” Drew McIntyre - an Elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and serves West Bend UMC.

Kenneth M. Loyer is pastor of Otterbein United Methodist Church of Spry, York, Pennsylvania. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas where he was a winner of a number of prestigious awards including the John Wesley Fellowship and Dempster Fellowship. He has an M.Div. from Duke and is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church and a member of the World Methodist Council. He is an assistant editor of Wesley and Methodist Studies and teaches Theology and Methodist Studies as an adjunct professor at United and Wesley Theological Seminaries. He lives in York, Pennsylvania.