We talked about the church and family for about 30 minutes, sharing news of people and remembering friends now gone from our sight. I looked at the clock and knew I’d have to leave soon and asked, “Would you like communion?” “Yes, that would be nice,” she replied.

 I first took out a Bible, which is digitally condensed on my phone. I wasn’t prepared for how deeply moved and connected I’d feel in the simple sharing of the text; simply reading out loud together, without comment or question, our common text.

 Psalm 90: 1-6, 13-17 was the first text. It ends with these words: May the graciousness of the LORD our God be upon us; prosper the work of our hands; prosper our handiwork.

 In an instant I thought of all the work of this woman’s hands in ministry at church, of her handiwork by which the church prospered and was fed, not only with food, but with grace and joyful acceptance.

 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 was the next. It ends with these words: So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.

 I thought of how dear this woman is to me and how dear I am to her, even though we see each other infrequently.

 We shared the cracker and the juice, the body and the blood, and prayed. We prayed for other members of our congregation and we prayed for the people of Libya.

 I left with a Butterfinger, small size candy bar from her Halloween stash and as I nibbled it on the elevator ride to the lobby was aware that Christ had been with us and was still with each of us. We had together built up the body of Christ a little more this day, both strengthened for our journey of discipleship and service.

 What will you do today to build up the body of Christ?