Dear Friends of Longview Chapel,
When you think of communion, what do you think about?
Some of the things I think about are the people I have shared communion with in a variety of churches and settings. I remember serving communion for the first time at summer camp. I remember helping my parents wash the glass cups and stack them when they were dry into trays. I think about sharing communion with people who are homebound or in the hospital and so much more.
The most important thing I remember is that this is a gift of remembrance Jesus gave to us. He knew we would need frequent reminders of his love, care, challenge, and presence as we grow in faith. And then I remember that for most of my life, I have always been taught that all are welcome to participate and are fully embraced as they are at the table. This belief is probably the main reason I was called to be a pastor in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), since we practice an open table every week.
For some people, these things are not a news flash. Yet for others, who for whatever reason have been excluded from the table, these words are words of hope and life.
Next Sunday is World Communion Sunday. It is always observed on the first Sunday in October. It is a global celebration of communion, with the vision of uniting Christians of various traditions. The hope is that by having one Sunday where many churches share communion, it will help to build our connections with each other, as well as help us to be drawn to each other spiritually and in our service to the world. Perhaps focusing on one day of how we are connected, will help us to put away the things that divide us and draw us to those things that matter most to God – love, justice, mercy, grace, and so much more.
I hope each of you will participate in World Communion Sunday this coming Sunday, whether you are at the Chapel, online, or in another congregation. How will we remember Jesus together this Sunday?
“And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” Mark 14:22-24 ESV
Pastor Donna