It’s here! It’s here! Today is release day for Gathered at the Table: Celebrating Communion.
A companion title to Baptized in the Water, this premium picture book celebrates all the varying ways to receive communion while focusing on the one important thing: when we come to the table, we all remember Jesus.
Written in a combination of prose and poetry, there are so many creative ways to use this book! Read on to find out more, to look at the gorgeous illustrations by Anna Kazimi, and, of course, to enter the giveaway!
Six Creative Ways to Use This Book:
- Use the activities in the free downloadable Activity Pack for units on communion.
- Read it aloud to celebrate World Communion Sunday.
- Isolate just the rhyming portions to read to younger children.
- Use the rhyming portions as your liturgy for World Communion Sunday, repeating the words: Come, Come to the Table as a responsive phrase.
- Gift it to a child for their First Communion.
- Gift families with the book on World Communion Sunday. (Copies of 10 or more available here with free shipping at 35% off.)
Would you like to win a copy of Gathered at the Table: Celebrating Communion for a child in your life, a Sunday school teacher or to donate to a school or church library? As always, I have several easy ways to enter this four-book giveaway sponsored by Zonderkidz. Enter on all four platforms for maximum chances!
- Leave a comment here on my website, under this post, telling me what your favorite part of communion is.
- Leave a comment under this post on my Facebook Author Page.
- Enter on Instagram.
- Bonus Entry: Share this post on any social media channel (let me know!)
That’s it! This giveaway closes on Saturday 14th September, but you can enter several more giveaways coming up in the next few weeks on Instagram. Open to USA entries only, with a physical street address. (No PO boxes.)
Watch the VIDEO.
Don’t forget to download your free Activity Pack containing tips for talking with children about communion, simple bread recipes, bookmarks, signed bookplates, colorings and more!
I have always loved the quiet time of reflection as the elements are being served.
Me too, Joyce. Thanks for being my first entrant!
The idea of an open table were all are forgiven and welcomed!
Amen, Shannon! That is absolutely what our tables should be.
Congrats, Shannon! You are one of the winners!
The best part of communion is partaking as a church family in remembrance of Jesus did for us.
It’s definitely a family moment, Jeanne, when all are welcomed to the table.
Congratulations on your book, Glenys! May God continue to bless you and the ministry of writing He has given you! Thanks for the chance to enter your giveaway, too!
My favorite part of communion is hard to explain. I think I love the activity itself. There is so much to enjoy about it! I love the peace that comes when the minister and deacons prepare to serve the elements. There is a grace and a holiness about removing and folding the cloth that often covers that table/altar. The familiar scripture passages read are comforting because we can revel in the fact that this action of communion has and continues to be a tradition in Christian churches. It is a holy thing we do when we take time for communion. Communion is like a comforting blanket for our souls! It binds believers across time, distance, and history to make us one in Jesus Christ!
Oh, I love that, Patricia. I, too, believe there is something so holy when we remove and fold the cloths, and then put them back…
I love communion because it is a meaningful time of reflection and so powerful!
For sure it is, Alayna!
Taking communion together with our congregation is special to me.
Me too, Lane! Thanks for entering.
The open table for All People!!!!
Absolutely, Jeff! That is how it should be!
I love teaching others about communion. Especially my nieces!
What a blessing that must be!
I’m so excited for this one. I love connecting to Christians across time through communion!
Yes! Especially on World Communion Sunday!
The familiar words of the liturgy. The remembering.
Yes, there is such power in those ancient words!
My favorite part of communion is feeling the connection with Christ and the people of God.
Yes! It is a wonderful feeling!
Right now I love modeling communion for my toddler 🥰
I love that you do that, Henrietta!
remembering the cloud of witnesses that I have communed with in the past and feeling their presence at table with me
Yes! I love the thought of that too!
Excited about this book!
Me too, Jay! Thanks for entering!
I love to see the whole congregation come to the table with the music in the background. Brings tears to my eyes.
Oh, me too, Barb! It is so moving!
The best part of communion is receiving the reminder of grace.
Yes! I did include that in the book.
I love when we are gathered around the table – all ages – and serve each other the bread and wine. This action reminds us that we are called to serve God and serve each other. Placing the bread in someone’s hands, offering the cup is such an intimate gesture and moment – full of grace, promise and joy!
Fran, you captured that beautifully! Thank you!
I love the “gathering” part. I grew up in a tradition where we “passed the plate”, so coming forward to the table is special to me now.
Hi Rachel, thanks for commenting. I can see how going forward would be special for you after passing the plate. Such a special time!
I love to serve communion–looking all the people in their eyes and telling them that the body of Christ is broken for them.
Yes! Such a privilege!
Thanks to everyone who entered. The four winners are: Sara Seefeldt, Shannon Adams Cronk, Janel Apps Ramsey and Claire Brown.