About Holy Communion
Holy Communion
What Is Holy Communion?
Holy Communion is the service of Christian worship at which bread and wine is consecrated and shared by the congregation.
It is a commemoration started by Jesus at His Last Supper with His disciples before He was crucified.
Jesus established the practice at the Last Supper when He blessed the bread and wine, shared it with His disciples and called on His followers to repeat the ceremony in his memory
Holy Communion In History
Holy Communion service have been conducted in different forms by various faiths and belief systems throughout history, including before Jesus’ time.
It is not a Christian-only concept.
There have been various groups, such as the White Eagle Lodge (in the UK), who did these services for a number of years.
The service used in this Church is both Christ-centric and universal in nature.
Is This New In A Spiritualist Church?
No. A Holy Communion service in a Christian Spiritualist church is not new.
Such services have been conducted by the Christian Spiritualist churches worldwide since the 1920s, especially in the UK.
The Holy Communion service used in our Church is based on the one provided in The Greater World Christian Spiritualist Association’s Service Book (used in this Temple for many years).
[ See https://www.greaterworld.net/bookshop for more details on their books ]
Holy Communion in Perth Spiritualist Churches?
Holy Communion services have been run in some of Perth’s Christian Spiritualist churches over the years, including in recent times.
This Church is continuing the tradition started by other Christian Spiritualist Churches in Perth.
Curious or Unsure?
All are always to attend and participate in our Holy Communion Services.
Visitors are welcomed. Come and visit us to find out for yourself!
HOLY COMMUNION SERVICES HELD
The Church holds Holy Communion services once a month on Sundays, at Easter and various other times during the year:
Sunday Mornings
Holy Communion is being held in 2023 once a month on Sunday mornings.
It will be held on the fourth Sunday in each month.
The Holy Communion service will replace the flower readings on this day
The Service starts at 10am sharp. Please arrive to be seated ten minutes prior.
Allow extra time to find parking if needed.
The Service on these days, including Holy Communion, will finish about 11:10am, depending on the number taking communion.
Maundy Thursday (Easter)
The Church holds a Holy Communion service on the Thursday before Good Friday.
It will be held on Thursday 6th April in 2023.
This day is traditionally known as Maundy Thursday.
This celebrates the Last Supper on the night it was originally celebrated between Jesus and his twelve disciples.
The service starts at 6:30pm sharp. Please arrive to be seated ten minutes prior.
N.B. The street parking can be busy in evenings. Allow extra time to find parking if needed.
The service runs for a maximum of one hour, depending on the number attending.
Saturday Evenings
Holy Communion is held on various Saturday evenings during the year.
The Service starts at 5:30pm sharp. Please arrive to be seated ten minutes prior.
N.B. The street parking can be busy in evenings. Allow extra time to find parking if needed.
The service runs for a maximum of one hour, depending on the number attending.
Why Attend Holy Communion?
This Service is designed to uplift, heal and to raise the person's spirit.
It can give a greater connection with the Divine presence, bringing them person closer to God, the Christ and possibly their guidance.
People may get a greater sense of Divine Love and Peace.
It may also help them along their journey on the spiritual path.
People also attend Holy Communion to:
- Receive a sense of divine love and peace
- Meet like-minded people also on the spiritual path.
- Looking to join a spiritual community.
- To have some quiet time or reflection within their busy lives.
Can I Attend The Service?
Yes. Anyone can attend and participate who wishes to do so.
You don’t need to be baptised, confirmed, had first communion, etc. to receive it.
There are no creeds or similar statements of belief to adhere to, before, during or after attending.
All are welcome, regardless of their faith, race, marriage status, etc.
This Church always aims to reflect the diversity that exists in the Perth community.
The only restriction is that younger children (under 8yo) and infants receive a Blessing Only.
What The Service Contain?
The Holy Communion service contains the following:
- Prayers, including Healing Prayers
- The Lord's Prayer
- Blessings for The Congregation & Participants
- Several Hymns
- A Collection (Free-will offering or donation)
- Bible Reading
A booklet is provided so everyone can follow the service and what's happening at the time.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who Runs The Service?
The service is conducted by an ordained minister, assisted by experienced members of the Church.
How Do I Know What To Do?
A booklet is provided on the day providing a copy of the service and any instructions needed.
It is easy to understand and follow. There are assistants who will also help with the Communion.
Can I Receive A Blessing Instead?
Yes. Participants can receive their choice of taking Holy Communion or a Blessing.
Instructions on how to do this are given in the booklet provided.
Is It Hygienic?
Yes. Precautions are taken to ensure that the Service meets health requirements.
There is no sharing of the wine between participants.
Do You Use Prayer?
Yes. Prayers are said prior, at the start, during and at end of the service. Our temple is Bible based within a spiritual understanding.
We work within the Cosmic Christ Light (the universal light of all creation) to endeavour that all who attend can experience Divine Love and Peace.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Church operates on a “free-will” offering (donation) basis.
There is no fixed fee charged at the Church.
This is to enable anyone to attend services and any other activity held by the Church.
No collection is taken at both Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in Easter.
How Can I Pay?
We take payment in either cash or EFT.
You can pay on the day by EFT (bank transfer using PayID) from your smart phone. Details are available in the weekly bulletin.
We are hoping to have a Tap & Go system in place sometime in 2023.
Where Can I Park? Is It Free?
There is free parking at the rear of the Church and limited parking on the front paved area.
You can also park on Stirling Street most days.
Some parts of Harold Street are paid parking.
Do You Accept Donations?
Yes. The Church is an incorporated, tax exempt non-profit association, registered both in WA and with the Federal ACNC and the ATO.
The Church gratefully receives any donations that are made.
Donations can be made in cash, cheque or by EFT (please advise us so we can issue a receipt).
We will issue a receipt for each donation kindly received. Please ask for more details.
Please note that we do not have Deductible Gift Recipient status with the ATO (donations to churches are not tax deductible).
How Is My Money Used?
None of the ministers or Church executive are paid for their services. It is all done on a volunteer basis.
All monies received go towards both the running of the Church and the upkeep of the Church building and grounds.
Can Children Attend?
Yes. Children (under 18) can attend a service, providing that a parent or guardian is present with them whilst they are on the premises.
However, they have to be 6+ years to receive Holy Communion for safety reasons.
Small children (u/6) and infants can receive a blessing instead.