Inspired by the BBC’s Poetry Season, particularly by those performing their poems at ‘Poetry Slams’, I did a ‘Communion Slam’ last Sunday, which seemed to go down really well with people at my church, given the enthusiastic responses I got after the service. Basically I wrote a poem/liturgy which I ‘performed’ by way of invitation to the communion. But even as I write this, particularly thinking about the dramatic communions we used to have in the Parish of Northolt, I guess all liturgical communion could be thought of as a slam.
Anyway, if you are interested, here is the unperformed text.
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Anticipate
God’s Kingdom – on earth as it is in heaven.
Act justly
Love mercy
Walk humbly
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Tell the good news
Live the good news
Be the good news
Announce freedom
Feed the hungry
Give water to the thirsty
Welcome the stranger
Clothe the naked
Care for the sick
Visit the prisoners.
Comfort those who grieve.
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Transform . . .
Relationships
Families
Communities
Workplaces
Economies
Politics
Be prophetic
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Love your neighbour
Love yourself
Love your enemies.
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Be loving
Be happy
Be peaceful
Be patient . . .
[pause]
Be kind
Be good
Be gentle
Be faithful
Be Self-controlled.
Be wise.
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Be baptised.
Be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Become a disciple
Make disciples
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Pray. Fast. Worship.
Celebrate life.
Do this in remembrance of Jesus
Take some bread.
Break it.
Give thanks.
Eat it
Take a cup
Give thanks.
Drink it.
Forgive as you have been forgiven.
4 comments
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May 27, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Ben Sternke
Love this, Alan!
May 27, 2009 at 12:50 pm
alanmann
Thanks Ben, appreciate the encouragement.
November 6, 2009 at 11:46 pm
Charles N Gutu
Alan,I came across your poem on the internet and loved it, with your permission I will share it with my congregation this Remembrance Sunday(2009) during communion.
Charles
November 7, 2009 at 2:13 pm
alanmann
It would be a joy and a blessing to think of this being used.