August 16, 2022
Our ELCA’s triennial Churchwide Assembly was held at the Columbus Convention Center last week. The worship at these assemblies is always inspirational both in scope and quality. 1,200+ delegates from around the country (and global guests) are led by a fabulous team of musicians. Communion was shared three times.
Pastor John coordinated those Eucharists. Little glass communion cups and trays were borrowed from parishes around the city; that’s a lot of cups to wash and fill. Gluten-free bread was made by a local bakery; think 10 half sheet cake pans for each meal and more crumbs than you can imagine. I was blessed to help with logistics, and there were plenty.
During one Eucharist my mind went to the Haugen musical piece we are currently using in worship here at Prince of Peace, “As the Grains of Wheat.” (ELW #465). The imagery of grains of wheat being “gathered into one to become our bread,” and being done as a “foretaste of all that is to come, when all creation shares this feast with you” just flat out fills me with hope. I love it, and have for a long time.
After worship a month ago a young adult with a wide grin asked me, “Is there a gluten-free version of the Grain of Wheat song?” I smiled back. As one who has communed using wafers, matzoh crackers, naan, injera, and bread of all kinds, I hadn’t given it a thought. In fact, it’s not about the bread but the presence of God’s word, Jesus. Some wrestle with celiac issues (health risk, not just preference) so please know that, yes, Christ is fully present regardless of the carb that delivers his presence.
And, then, this happened. At the closing Churchwide Assembly Eucharist we sang a song so that was new to me, and so inclusive. “The Rice of Life” is included in a new Lutheran worship resource called All Creation Sings. I read the song’s text in my bulletin earlier in the worship (during the installation of the new Vice President of the ELCA. Don’t judge!) but don’t read music well. So, I was listening for it during the distribution even though I was serving communion at a station (ok, gathering used cups) with a former student (Pastor Tucker O’Leary). The hymn was so different, so unique. One woman of Asian descent coming through our communion distribution station was crying as she received the elements. I needed to know more.
This first link is longer but it includes a helpful explanation by a pastoral candidate at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA, and then finishes with the music and lyrics.
This link is just the music and lyrics if time is an issue for you:
As we are gathered, whether wheat or rice, at the table of our Lord, I pray you too realize how big and global a table it really is. There’s a place at the table of all of us.
The rice of God for all is meant;
no one who comes is turned away.
Believe in Christ whom God has sent;
in humble trust God's will obey.
(Rice of Life, ACS 965, vs 3)
Pastor Jim Wilson