October 2024 Newsletter – Pastor's Column

* Part of this article comes from A UMC.org Feature by Joe Iovino - September 29, 2016

There is a lot in this world that tries to separate us, create division, and break down our connection with one another. Today, there are broken relationships in our community, in our nation, and all around the world. This goes against our very nature.

Jesus does not want us to live divided from one another. In John 15, Jesus shares the image of the vine and the branches. He explains that we, the branches, only bear fruit if we stay connected to the vine. In fact, it is the Vine that connects us all to God's grace and transforming love.

On the first Sunday in October, United Methodist congregations join many Christian churches across the globe in celebrating World Communion Sunday. It began as World-Wide Communion Sunday at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, 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.

"The term Holy Communion invites us to focus...on the holiness of our communion with God and one another," states This Holy Mystery, The United Methodist Church's official statement on the sacrament. 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.

Come to church this World Communion Sunday (Oct. 6) prepared to participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion. As you receive the bread and cup, remember that you are part of the Church Universal, united in Christ across time and space.

Come throughout the month to offer your thanks and praise for the endless blessings given to you and me, and to commit ourselves to the connection we have to Christ and one another. Together, we are the Body of Christ living in unity and love.

God bless you,

Pastor Roy

P.S. Click the picture or link below to read the full October 2024 edition of The Beacon. 

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