Save the date!! October 2nd, 2022
Every year on the first Sunday in October ( October 2 this year), Christians around the globe celebrate World Communion Sunday. It is a day to remember that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that every Christian Church and any denomination that promotes Christian unity are one. It celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and sisters around the world. On this day, people draw faith and inspiration from seeing that they are part of a community that boasts millions of believers and worshippers.
Paul tells us that we are to “discern the body” when we partake of Holy Communion, mindful that we note our relationship to all our brothers and sisters in Christ in the celebration. One is not to go hungry while another is drunk! (I Cor. 11:21). This is scandalous behavior opposed to the Way of Christ. Thus it is appropriate that World Communion Sunday is also a time when there is a special appeal to support ministries of compassion and care, as a way of continuing the ancient Christian practice of sharing what we have with brothers and sisters in need.
It may be a new idea for some, but perhaps the idea could be part of a service on 2nd October 2022.
Perhaps you could arrange a pulpit swap?
Swap greetings with churches in your neighbourhood and read those greetings out in the service?
Swap greetings with churches you know interstate or overseas, and read those greetings out in the service?
Invite your congregation to send postcards with greetings to churches they personally know (or know about) within Victoria (perhaps thanking them for their mission and ministry or offering a word of support or prayer). Or interstate or overseas?
Use worship resources developed for World Communion Sunday?
Perhaps intentionally use songs in other languages, or invite people in your congregation to lead prayers or readings in their mother tongue.
We’d love to hear if you plan to be engaged in World Communion Sunday!! Let us know what happens….!
(of course, it’s fine to celebrate this on a Sunday that fits into the calendar for your congregation).