Holy Communion - I’m not confirmed... can I join in?

[LurkinginHampshire]

I’m probably what could be described as loose CoE.

I want to go to church tomorrow and I don’t want a happy smiley family service. I need grounding with some solemnity.

I’m away from home but near by is an Abbey holding a simple holy communion service early tomorrow.

I’m not confirmed or even baptised. Will it be weird to turn up? Shall I intro myself? Will they invite me to take communion?? If so what do I do??

[BackforGood]

Of course it isn't weird to just turn up.
Anyone can join a church service.

As to 'introducing yourself' - just follow their lead.
In my Church, if anyone turns up we don't know, you'll find several people will welcome them and perhaps ask if it is their first visit, or just if they are local or even just their name, as we feel that is welcoming, but I've been in Churches where it doesn't happen.

I don't know, but I presume if they are holding a Communion Service and you are part of the congregation then they will just assume you have come for communion and you can take communion if you wish.

If you haven't been confirmed, then the 'rule' about taking communion varies from one denomination to anther. If you want to follow, in line with the thinking in that Church, then I would ask the welcomer when you arrive.

[mostlydrinkstea]

If you are going to a C of E church with Holy Communion then you will be very welcome. Anyone can turn up. If you haven't been baptised or confirmed then the rules say you can't take communion but you can go up for a blessing.

It is confusing because some churches don't abide by the rules so ask one of the welcomers at the door what to do if you want a blessing.

The heavens will not fall in if you do take communion! I've given out what I suspect was a first communion many times especially at Christmas.

I hope you find something of what you are looking for..

[BroomstickOfLove]

Just turn up. It varies a bit from place to place, and can also depend on whether or not you have been baptized, but if in doubt the general default tends to be that you go up to the altar with everyone else, but indictate that you want a blessing by holding the order of service or crossing your arms against your chest.

I'd arrive a bit early and ask the person who is there to greet people what to do.

I really like the blessing , and sometimes miss it now that I take communion.

[LurkinginHampshire]

Thank you. I didn’t arrive early 😬 but there was a full order of service with all the words do I knew what I was doing! I went up with hands down as suggested and got a very comforting blessing 😇

[BackforGood]

Good. Glad you went and that you 'took' from the service what you needed