Lovefeast

E53151

Lovefeast is a Christian communal meal and worship service, especially associated with Moravian and some Methodist traditions, that emphasizes fellowship, shared food, and spiritual unity rather than the sacramental elements of Holy Communion.

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Statements (48)

Predicate Object
instanceOf Christian communal meal
Christian ritual
Christian worship service
associatedWith Methodism
Unity of the Brethren
surface form: Moravian Church
canBeHeldOn anniversaries
church festivals
special occasions
times of revival or renewal
contrastedWith formal sacramental liturgy
differsFrom Holy Eucharist
surface form: Holy Communion
emphasizes Christian fellowship
shared food
spiritual unity
encourages lay participation in worship
sharing of personal religious experience
etymology derived from concept of Christian love (agape)
focusesOn community rather than sacramental elements
hasElement Scripture readings
communal meal
exhortation or short sermon
hymn singing
prayer
testimonies
historicalName Agape feast
language English term "Lovefeast"
liturgicalStatus non-sacramental service
mayInclude coffee
other non-alcoholic beverages
simple food such as buns or bread
tea
MethodistPractice historically used in class meetings and revivals
MoravianPractice often held in connection with major feast days
musicRole congregational singing is central
notClassifiedAs Eucharistic sacrament
originatedIn early Christian church
practicedBy Methodist congregations
Moravian communities
some other Protestant groups
purpose encouraging mutual encouragement in faith
expressing gratitude to God
strengthening Christian community bonds
religiousTradition Christianity
symbolizes love of Christ
mutual care among Christians
unity of believers
theologicalTheme agape (self-giving love)
typicalSetting church hall or meeting room

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.