The Presentation Of Bread And Wine (He Took)

The taking consists of bringing the bread and wine to the Table, where the elements are prepared by the presider. The taking, which is primarily a symbolic action, conveys many powerful ideas. Because the primary symbol is that of an offering made to God, a number of offerings may occur simultaneously. For example, as the bread and wine are brought to the Table, an anthem may be sung and an offering of money taken. What is important in this action is the sense that the whole congregation is making an offering of praise and thanksgiving to almighty God. When the people are able to make connection with the symbolic action, their own offering of praise becomes more intense and moving.

The Presentation in Liturgical Churches In liturgical churches, the Table remains bare through the Service of the Word. After the kiss of peace, an ascription of praise is made and then, as the choir sings an anthem, two persons (or a family) will carry the bread and wine down the center aisle and hand them to the minister, who places them on the Table and prepares for the Eucharist with various prayers and actions. The ushers follow behind the bread and wine bearers and receive the offering as the choir sings (or a congregational song may be sung), and the bread and wine bearers return to their seats. The order of the taking in liturgical churches is as follows: "¢ After the kiss of peace, announcements may be made. "¢ Then, facing the congregation with outstretched hands, the minister may say the ascription of praise, such as "O Taste and See That the Lord is Good." "¢ Next, the choir may sing an anthem or a congregational hymn may be sung. "¢ Then, as the above action is taking place, the bearers of bread and wine and the ushers process to the Table. "¢ The minister receives the bread and wine, the bearers of bread and wine turn and return to their seats and the ushers receive the offering. "¢ As these actions are taking place, the minister prepares the Table with one or more of the following actions: Silent prayers over bread and wine Mingling of water and wine in the chalice Incensation Washing of the hands "¢ The hymn or anthem ended, the ushers bring the offering forward as the congregation sings, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow." The minister prays, thanking God for the offering. The ushers return. The minister now begins the prayer of thanksgiving. The Presentation in Contemporary Churches An order of presentation of the gifts of bread and wine for churches not following a set liturgical tradition is as follows: "¢ The Table may be prepared beforehand, in which case the taking does not occur in public. "¢ The deacons or others who serve may walk forward during a hymn and take their places by the minister at the Table. "¢ At the conclusion of the hymn, the minister may call the congregation to the examination of conscience through a Scripture reading or through a prayer. Many nonliturgical churches are now setting the Table during worship and adapt the order of the liturgical style of the taking to their own situation.