Communion in the United Methodist Church | Understanding the Sacraments 

Hello @Kandiklover, thanks for the question. While every church might have a slightly different layout Methodist churches tend to help by providing a brief instruction beforehand. There is generally a line you stand in before standing before the altar. When it becomes your turn the server will offer the bread, which does not require a response beyond taking the element and then a second server offers the juice where you will dip the bread in the cup and then consume the elements. Most Methodist churches are happy to answer questions and are happy to assist first timers. Our communion services are often recorded. If you follow this video link you can see an example of how people at our church walk up to the communion table. ru-vid.comN1WlWuP3SN0?si=9SLSh3WrmUv6mqD8&t=2928 . Hope this helps!

Most Methodist, UMC included are not memorialists. The UMC holds it as a sacrament, and while the understanding of the elements is not as strict as say the transubstantiation view of the Catholic Church, we believe that Christ is truly present in the sacramental elements. In the communion liturgy we state: "Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on these gifts of bread and wine. Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ." The transformation of the elements is seen as a Holy Mystery and while it is a remembrance of the Last Supper, United Methodists are not "memorialists" as we do not see the elements as mere symbols.

not at all

In UMC services the elements are consecrated by an ordained elder. Like the majority of churches which practice communion, The words of institution are spoken by the clergyperson which consecrate the elements.

www.umc.org/en/content/communion-and-welchs-grape-juice

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