This coming Sunday, October 4, is recognized on our church calendar as “World Communion Sunday.” This is one of my favorite Sundays of the year. It began in 1936 in the Presbyterian Church and was adopted by what is now the National Council of Churches in 1940. As an article from Ministry Matters explains, “World Communion Sunday is a time for remembering that around the globe-in different languages, with different traditions and customs, and in various forms of liturgy-the Lord’s Supper is celebrated throughout Christendom.” This is an opportunity to celebrate what it means to proclaim that Jesus is Lord of the universe, including people of all nations, languages, and customs. When we pray in our communion liturgy that God will make us “one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world”, we are praying for the full unity of God’s kingdom.
At this crazy time in human history, as we reflect on the worldwide pandemic, the strife and conflict around the world, and the upcoming election in the United States, it is a great comfort to remind ourselves that Christ’s kingdom extends beyond all national boundaries, languages, and partisan political differences. The Holy Spirit can unite us in ways that that only He can do. Praise God! Our Scripture reading for Sunday is Psalm 19: 1 and Philippians 3: 4b-11. The title of the message that I am preparing is “Accepting Charity?” I appreciate your prayers for me and the entire worship team. We depend upon your prayers to make good decisions and to stay faithful in all that we do and say.
For those of you who worship each week online, please remember to share our worship premier on Facebook and invite people to introduce themselves and to offer comments. We monitor the church Facebook page regularly and we are always eager to build new relationships. As always, please let me know of your ministry needs and ideas of how we can serve the community more effectively. I remain honored to serve as one of your pastors. Blessings, Pastor Steve Hart