The United Methodist Church is in full communion with the Moravian Church, and with that relationship, we have invited Bishop Chris Giesler to offer communion to those who attend Salem UMC on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
The biggest difference between Moravian and United Methodist communion services is that when the elements are given to the congregation, during the Moravian service, the congregation remains in their pews and the bread and juice are brought to the attendees. In the United Methodist tradition, members come forward to receive the elements.
The other difference is that the entire community takes the bread and juice together in the pews during the Moravian service, as opposed taking the elements individually during the United Methodists service.
The elements are consecrated in the same way and we share in similar liturgies and hymns, so the connection with God is the same, it's just a different way of receiving it. Bishop Giesler will lead us through the entire experience.
We hope you will join us for this holy morning.