According to the October 7, 2002, issue of Presbyterian Outlook, it was a Presbyterian named Rev. Dr. Hugh Thomson Kerr who in 1930, while serving as pastor of Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA, initiated the dream of a World Communion Sunday. In 1936 World Communion Sunday was adopted by the Presbyterian Church (US). Though the idea was slow to be implemented by other denominations, the Second World War served to ignite the notion of a World Communion Sunday as Christian leaders were simply “trying to hold the world together.” Today, World Communion Sunday is celebrated the first Sunday of October, around the world.
This Sunday, we will be joining churches around the globe in a unison celebration of holy communion. This will be particularly sobering as we do so in solidarity with our sisters and brothers devastated by Hurricane Helene. And as our sermon series “Renewed Minds, Transformed Hearts” continues, we will look to Romans 12:3-8 to glean insights into Paul’s deep gratitude for the grace that flooded his life and propelled his ministry. For it is with eyes fixed on Jesus, Paul sees the correlation between the body of Christ and the human body. Each of the parts of the body of Christ, the diverse array of those who are the Church, function best not when comparing one part to the other, but when all parts are taking their cue from Jesus the Head. I like to think of this as “The Communion of the Saints;” the fellowship, mutual participation, and sharing that goes on between true believers (Saints), everywhere.
Hope to see you Sunday!
Gratefully,
Steve
Rev. Dr. Steve Schaick, Transitional Pastor / Head of Staff
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