“We need rituals of care that provide safe spaces in which to feel the full range of emotions inherent in conflict, to speak the truth in love, and to come to a healing place.” I recently wrote this sentence in a chapter of a new book called Conflict and Communion (order Conflict and Communion at http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=310214). Each chapter contributes to the idea that Communion is one of the most appropriate places to bring our brokenness. Indeed, the first thing that happens at the Last Supper is that Jesus names the conflict in the room – the betrayal that is about to happen. But what does he do? Refuse to eat until all is right? No. He breaks and shares bread… gives bread to them all and tells them that whenever they “do this,” they should remember him. Our tables are still places where Jesus shows up – not in spite of our differences but because of them. I have designed worship for over 30 annual and jurisdictional church conferences and agency meetings. Every gathering (even local church worship) includes people who have differences about theological, ideological or political issues. But worship is a place where Jesus invites us again and again to open ourselves to each other in ways that not just transcend our “family squabbles,” but embrace them–allowing for the possibility that we can care for each other anyway because ultimately we desire abundant life for our sisters and brothers. No one need worry about whether any particular “agenda” will drive my worship leadership for the United Methodist General Conference 2008. My commitment to liturgy as embodied ethics rejects coersion or manipulation of any sort. It is God who is worshiped, the Gospel that is to be proclaimed, and the Holy Spirit that will work its own way into each person’s heart.

My friend Bob Hill, a pastor at a wonderful church in Kansas City (http://www.community-christian.org), is a masterful wordsmith in many forms. Recently he wrote of a trip to Israel with an interfaith group from Kansas City. He wrote this:

“’Communion’ is what takes place when bread is more than bread and souls touch each other across inestimable distances.” Indeed, whenever we come to any table with the intention of opening to the deeper realities at work in our sharing, this is “communion.” No doubt you have experienced this around common tables – your kitchen table perhaps. My question is, do we expect these kinds of experiences at the Communion table of our worship? I leave you with these further questions from my chapter and hope you’ll check out the whole book to deepen your understanding and practice of Holy Communion.

“Do we understand our liturgy as a place where transformation can happen? As a passage from perhaps a state of conflict or regret to a more restorative and healing place? Further, do we expect this from our liturgies? Do our words and songs and symbols vividly portray this possibility and carefully set a tone and safe space where that can occur? My friend Nina Reeves says to me when I see her only occasionally, “Let us speak about the deepest things we know.” Indeed. Do we invite our communities of worship to speak about the “deepest things?” Do we invite dialogue at all? Do we truly believe that God invites us to speak honestly, in the context of our rituals of worship, of pain and uncertainty?”

(order Conflict and Communion at http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=310214)