In the last of our series of articles on the service of Holy Communion, the Reverend Derek Hinge walks us through the final part of the service – the dismissal:

In every act of worship in church, there is always a feeling of ‘coming’ and ‘going’. Of course that is physically true because we have all left the familiarity of our homes to join others in worship and then to return hopefully the better for the experience.  But there is a deeper ‘coming’ and ‘going’.   We have made a deliberate act of coming to a living God, to listen to him, to receive from him and to be strengthened by him.  But, for what purpose?   If all we have come for is to listen, receive and be strengthened in our own personal relationship with God, then we may as well leave the service at this point!  But there is something very important yet to come. It derives directly from the ministry of Jesus.

In the fourth of our series of articles on the service of Holy Communion, the Reverend Derek Hinge walks us through the Ministry of the Sacrament:

All that has happened in our worship so far is now gathered up as we approach the climax of the service.  This is basically what we have come for – to share a meal together.  So the first thing we do is to prepare the table and make ready for the sacred meal.  While we sing a hymn, The Offering of bread and the wine, ordinary things made by human hands from the fruits of creation, and the collection, a measure of how much God is worth to us, are brought to the table.  All these things are reminders that daily life and holy things are related.  Above all we shall soon bring ourselves, with open and empty hands outstretched.   ‘Nothing in my hand I bring; simply to the cross I cling.’   So as we say thanks to God for all his provision, we respond to the prayers said at this point sometimes with a simple Amen, or with the words, 'Blessed be God for ever.’