[RobbyS]

Now this is my personal formulation, and so this is not authoritative, We start with the doctrine of the "Real Presence." That means that in the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present under the form of bread and wine. This takes place actually but also"out of time." with ourselves" present" during the passion of Our Lord in a way that we cannot comprehend. We are participating in his sacrifice, in his redemptive act, by physically taking the host and the wine. but He is" here" and we are there at the same time. IF our hearts are open to receive Him. He is there, but we must be saying "yes. Lord" to " receive " Him in the right way. . As to appearances. Science teaches us that "matter" in the old fashioned sense of the term, is an impression. Even the "atoms" of bread are, if we go deeply enough, illusive to our "touch." If they exist, they exist as God sees them, and not in the imperfect way we se them. Calvin taught that the "power" of Jesus was present in the bread and wine during Communion. Do you you that means anything significant ? Let m pose this question around. If they are only "symbols" of Him, then what is the point of conducting the "service." how is it more meaningful than, say, ceremoniously washing the feet of your fellow church members?

[metmom]

If they are only "symbols" of Him, then what is the point of conducting the "service."

Two reasons. First and foremost is that He commanded us to keep His supper.

And the other is tied to it and the reason He gave Himself, it shows His death until He comes and to do it in remembrance of Him.

how is it more meaningful than, say, ceremoniously washing the feet of your fellow church members?

Because Jesus never said to wash others feet in remembrance of His death and to show His death until He comes.

I never did go to a church that practiced foot washing. I've heard of them, but never had the uh,... pleasure.....