Liturgy

The following is a Eucharist specifically accessible to persons with an intellectual impairment

A MODIFIED EUCHARIST

A service order, adapted and modified with the objective of making a celebration of the Eucharist more accessible to persons with an intellectual disability. The preparation of this modified Eucharist took as its starting point the text of The Lord's Supper 2B, published in Sunday Services, Sydney: Anglican Press Australia, 2001, 70-78.

Preparation

It is recommended that the Eucharist is celebrated in a worship space familiar to the participants. The general ambience should  be comfortable, softly lit with familiar music played throughout the gathering and preparation. If the music is known to the participants they are encouraged to sing or hum as they wish.

Where possible, participants may assist the minister in preparing the worship space with appropriate symbols and communion elements.

The minister welcomes those present individually and by name.

All prayers and responses may be said in echo style.

Ringing a small bell, lighting a candle, or other suitable signal, indicates the service is about to begin.

The bible reading should be short and "action-oriented". It could usefully come from the synoptic gospels referring to some activity of Jesus. If appropriate, the gospel reading could be accompanied by gesture, movement or even dramatic interpretation.

In the prayers to follow, the minister could refer to the participants by name. For participants with little or no apparent understanding of the reading and prayers, carers should remain in close contact to pray with and for them

The greeting of peace should take as long as is required to greet all participants. Music may be played throughout the greeting and serve as a calming preparation for the communion to follow.

The bread and wine, or whatever food and drink is preferred, is prepared in close view of the participants. Through gesture and movement the attention of the participants is focussed on the elements being prepared. Some participants may be able to assist in this process.

Ringing a small bell, lighting a candle or other suitable signal indicates the service has reached an important part.

The minister brings the Eucharist to a close with a short blessing. After the blessing music plays while the worship space is returned to its original state.

The minister farewells those present individually and by name.

If feasible, all present are invited to share refreshments or a meal together.

GATHERING

1. The minister says

Let us pray: (Or any preferred version of this prayer of preparation)

Almighty God,
nothing is hidden from you.
By your Holy Spirit,
guide our lives.
Help us to truly love you
and bring honour to your name,
Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

GOD'S WORD

2. A short bible reading from the New Testament follows.
3. The minister prays for others and especially for the needs of individuals present.

At the conclusion of the prayers, the minister says:

Accept our prayers through Jesus Christ our Lord, who taught us to pray:

(Or any preferred version of the 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 for ever.  Amen.

4. The minister says

Listen to the welcoming words of Jesus :
'Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.' (Matthew 11:28)

5. The minister says

Knowing the goodness of God,
let us confess our sins together.

Merciful God,
We are sorry for our sins.
For the sake of your Son who died for us
forgive us, and help us to please you always.  Amen.

*6.   The minister says

God forgives those who are truly sorry
and trust in his Son as Saviour and Lord.
God therefore forgives you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

7. The greeting of peace is exchanged,

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

8. (Music may be played.)

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION

9.      The minister says

Loving God,
We praise you for this world which you have made.
We praise you especially for Jesus
who by his death on the cross
took away our sin so we may be your people forever.

On the night before he died, Jesus took bread
and gave it to his disciples, saying,
'This bread represents my body given for you
Eat this in remembrance of me'.

After the meal, he took a cup,
and gave it to his disciples, saying,
'This drink represents my blood shed for you
Drink this in remembrance of me'.

As we eat and drink, help us to remember his love
for us and be thankful.
Help us to place our trust in Jesus,
and to show his love to one another. Amen.

10.    Those who distribute the bread and the cup say:

Eat this in remembrance that Jesus died for you
and be thankful. Amen.

Drink this in remembrance that Jesus died for you
and be thankful. Amen.

GOING OUT TO SERVE

*11.    Blessing - the minister says

May the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
remain with you always.  Amen.

12.   (Music may be played.)