World Communion Sunday
This coming Sunday is World Communion Sunday.
World Communion Sunday began as World-Wide Communion Sunday at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania in 1933. The Rev. Hugh Thompson Kerr and his congregation sought to demonstrate the interconnectedness of Christian churches, regardless of denomination. Rev. Kerr appropriately chose the sacrament of Holy Communion to symbolize this unity.
In 1940, the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America, which included all of the predecessor denominations of The United Methodist Church, adopted World-Wide Communion Sunday. The global celebration occurs on the first Sunday in October.
Today, The United Methodist Church celebrates World Communion Sunday with congregations all over the globe. Followers of Jesus Christ in large churches and small, on farms and in cities, in ornate buildings and under tents, gather to receive the bread and cup of Holy Communion.
Some will receive cubes of bread. Some will tear from a common loaf. Some will receive a wafer. Some will drink from a common chalice. Some will dip a piece of bread into the cup. Some will have individual glasses. Some will use wine; some juice. Some will offer both.
Pastors will lead a variety of liturgies, in many languages. Clergy will dress traditionally, formally, and casually.
Despite the differences in our denominations and traditions, we celebrate our unity in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Thanks be to God!
Will You Serve?
Centenary’s annual Charge Conference will be held on November 16. An essential part of preparing for Charge Conference is finding qualified, enthusiastic people to serve on our Church committees and ministry teams. Do you feel called to lead in 2024? Would you like to know more about how God could use your time and talents at Centenary? Contact one of our pastors if you’re interested in serving and/or leading at Centenary.
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