Scottish Communion Service

July 18, 2010

The purpose of our Scottish Communion Service is to celebrate our common Presbyterian Heritage that arose from Scotland and more importantly to offer praise and thanksgiving to our Lord Jesus Christ for the blessings we share with Christians around the world regardless of their ancestry. We welcome all believers, regardless of their background and ancestry and all others interested in learning more about the love of God revealed through Jesus Christ to celebrate with us.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Scottish Tradition:

The Presbyterian Church (USA) can trace its early roots back to the 16th century traditions of the Scotts. The book of Discipline, developed by Scottish theologian John Knox, sought to institute the system of church government as suggested by the famous reformer John Calvin. Each congregation would elect a minister and elders to hold office in the local church. In our churches across the country this model continues with ministers and elders serving on the Session in the local church. Representatives from each church send delegates of elders and ministers (equal number from each church) to serve on the local Presbytery. The presbytery sends representatives to the regional body called the Synod and the national body called the General Assembly.

For more information about the Presbyterian church (USA) constitution and government please click here.

Scottish Communion:

As early as 1564, the General Assembly approved a Book of Common Order setting froth instructions regarding public worship. The service was to be centered on the Word (scripture) and sacrament (the Lord's Supper). In our service we hold on to this tradition by celebrating the Little Entrance (the gospel is brought forward during the service by the Wee Laddie and read publicly for the edification of the congregation) and the Great Entrance (elders bring forward the bread and wine following the reading and proclamation of the Word). Distribution of the bread is also different than what commonly occurs in many contemporary churches. Instead of passing around a plate containing pieces of bread or wafers, individual loaves are distributed to the congregation to share.

In the 16th century life in Scotland was rigid by today's standards. The reforms introduced by John Knox led to laws that strictly enforced the Sabbath and forbid other activities that might be contrary to what church leaders deemed appropriate. Yet despite the rigid laws, the churches thrived. For many, for the first time, God became truly knowable. They were able to hear the word read in their native language. Prior to these reforms the language of the church was Latin and the common person was unable to fully embrace the message of grace received through the Word. In the same way, communion became a festive experience. Communion, both bread and wine were now being given to all, rich and poor, young and old, male and female, providing they were baptized and members in good standing. In some cases stories are told that these communion services were like festivals that people would travel for miles to attend.

One easily read and good book about life in Scotland in the 16th century and the Scots contribution to the modern world for that matter is found in the book, How the Scots Invented the Modern World, By Arthur Herman (New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001). Of particular interest to those interested in the early Reformed movement in Scotland is the first chapter entitled The New Jerusalem.

At Olivet, we hold an open communion where all the baptized faithful are welcomed at the table. As we gather at the Table as the believing community, we

1. Are united with the Church in every place and the whole church is present
2. Are joined with all the faithful in heaven and in earth in offering thanksgiving to the Triune God
3. Renew the vows taken at baptism
4. Commit ourselves afresh to love and serve God, one another and our neighbors in the world (Book of Order W-2-4006)

Scottish Communion and Olivet

In the summer of 1998, the Reverend Ken Hollenbaugh led the first Scottish Communion Service at Olivet. Every summer since, Olivet has continued that tradition as a way of celebrating the blessings we have received through the life death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ken, who died in 2003, thought the Scottish Tradition was a great way to recall our roots and an even better way to draw Christians from many backgrounds together so that they might share in this holy feast.

The Roll Call of the Clans

One of the traditions of the Scottish Communion Service is to welcome anyone who has roots in one of the traditional clans of Scotland. This year we will name each clan and invite any members of that clan (by blood or marriage) present to stand.

We will invite members of other clans to identify themselves and will celebrate with all in attendance regardless of their background or ancestry to join with us and celebrate our common calling to be the church that God calls us to be through the life, death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Music

Probably in the early days, Scottish worship used more individual instruments rather than bagpipes. However the pipes and drums have become Scotland's traditional music makers producing a unique sound that is powerful and inspiring. This year MacKay Pipe Band will be performing during the service.

Burnbrae's Prayer

(used during our service as a prayer of confession)

Almighty FATHER, we are all THY poor and sinful children who tired of home and have gone away to the far country. Forgive us, for we didn't know what we were leaving, or the sad heart we gave our FATHER. It was tired work to live with our sins, but we would never have come back had it not been for our elder BROTHER. HE came a long road to find us, and a sore distress HE had before HE set us free. HE has been a good BROTHER to us and we have been a heavy burden to HIM. May HE keep a firm hand on us, and guide us on the right road, and bring us back before we wander, and tell us all we need to know till the twilight comes. Gather us in when, we pray THEE, and all we love, not a child missing, and may we sit down forever in our FATHER'S own house. Amen

A Scottish Prayer from John Knox

God of all power, who hast called from death the great Shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, comfort and defend the flock which he hath redeemed by the blood of the eternal testament; increase the number of true preachers; mitigate and lighten the hearts of the ignorant; relieve the pains of such as be afflicted, but especially of those that suffer for the testimony of the truth, by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

(John Knox, c.1513-1572)

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