Agape A Love Feast Agape A Love Feast

Agape – A ‘Love Feast’

Agape – A ‘Love Feast’ The Agape feast (also called Love feast) was a loosely structured early Christian service that typically included a fellowship meal. This Fellowship Meal goes back to the early days of the church (believed to date between 50 and 120 A. D. and recorded in the early church writing ‘The Didache’). Because food was often eaten, it is often presumed to have a connection with the liturgical Eucharist. If indeed connected, it was separated from the Eucharist by the early second century. Neither Scripture nor any documents of the early church ever equate the Agape with the Eucharist and early canons of the church restricted the social meals of Agapes from being given in church sanctuaries. The prominence of the Agape in the writings of the Church Fathers suggests that this informal service was second in church life only to the devotional Lord's Supper. In modern times the Agape was revived by the Moravians, and through them by the Methodists. An Agape Meal is a very happy way for Christians to enjoy each other’s company! It fits well with Maundy Thursday and the institution of the Lord’s Supper.

Agape – A ‘Love Feast’ Practical arrangements: - There is a ‘service leader’ and some liturgy and prayers - This will take about ten minutes…and then we eat! - These prayers frame and give context to the meal so that it is more of a celebration (although meals are always celebratory – this time more so) - As they eat people can either chat as they would normally, or use the ‘chat’ function of Zoom and send messages - If you can, have a candle on the table and a means to light it, and a cross - There is a closing prayer and blessing

WELCOME Jesus said: “Where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them. " Matthew 18: 20 Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you and also with you

CALL TO THE AGAPE MEAL I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. O taste and see that the LORD is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.

CONFESSION Salt is good, but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Giving God, you blessed us with saltiness, But we became bland. You trusted us with your Word But we did not keep it. You lit a flame in our midst But we hid it under formality, Smothered it with our fears. God, in your mercy: Forgive us. Silence

Forgiving God, we believe that you have called us To be salt and light; That you offer us time and space and strength To begin again. silence Giving and forgiving God, We thank you. Have salt in yourself and be at peace with one another. AMEN

LIGHTING THE CANDLE Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. " All are invited to light a candle. You are welcome to this house. May the Lord give us a happy time together.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David your servant, which You made known to us through Jesus your Messiah; to you be the glory for ever. We thank you, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You made known to us through Jesus your Messiah; to you be the glory for ever. Even as broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let your Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

WE EAT TOGETHER

AT THE END OF THE MEAL

YOU COULD INSERT A HYMN OF YOUR OWN CHOOSING HERE

We thank you, God, for our daily bread for the food which delights and nourishes us and for the companionship that sustains us. We thank you, too, for drink to quench our thirst and for the Living Water with which you surprise and enrich and transform our lives. Amen.

LORD’S PRAYER Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

BLESSING Loving God, bless all who have gathered round our table. God bless each of us and in our times of need may we find a table spread in the wilderness and companions along the way. May we know the fullness of Your presence at every meal and in all our sharing.

May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ go with you: wherever he may send you; may he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm; may he bring you home rejoicing: at the wonders he has shown you; may he bring you home rejoicing: once again into our doors.