Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Our Lord

At St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, all including children are welcome to receive the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of our Lord (also called Holy Eucharist or Holy Communion) no matter from what tradition you come or where you are in your faith journey. We believe the altar belongs entirely to God who chooses to feed all creation.

If you are unable to come forward for communion when the usher reaches your pew, please tell the usher you want communion brought to you. If you do not want to receive communion, please come forward to receive a blessing. Simply cross your arms over your chest as you stand or kneel at the altar rail.

To receive the bread, hold your hands out, palms up with one hand crossed over the other. To receive the wine, assist the Chalice Bearer by guiding the base of the chalice with your hand. To receive the bread and wine together, dip the bread slightly into the wine. Please respond to receiving Christ's Body and Blood with "Amen."

Unction, Healing Prayer

Every Sunday during the Distribution of Communion, a clergy member will be at the healing station in the Narthex for the Sacrament of Unction: a laying on of hands, anointing, and healing prayer. All are welcome to participate.

Every Wednesday at 7 pm we hold a Healing Eucharist in which all are invited to come to the communion rail for the Sacrament of Unction.

For more information on the Sacrament of Unction, click here to view the Rector's Page in the September 2004 Voice.

For more information on Healing Ministries at St. Johns, click here.