World Communion Sunday

Observed on the first Sunday in October, this day calls the Church to be the universal, inclusive Church; to experience Communion in the context of the global community of faith.

The day was first observed by Presbyterians in 1936, adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940, and shortly thereafter observed in Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches.

World Communion Sunday has become a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm the life and living of Jesus. On this day, whether shared in a grand cathedral, a mud hut, outside on a hilltop, in a meetinghouse, or in a storefront;

Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations

and remember that they are part of the whole body of believers.

Gathering Music                            “Find us Faithful”                             Arr. Carol Tornquist

“The Love of the Lord”Arr. Mark Hayes

Sharing Time

. . . a time of greeting and sharing those things which inform who we are as a community of faith and how God is moving among us. You are invited to welcome visitors, share joys, prayer requests, and announcements.

Focusing Music                       “Communion Pastorale”                              John M. Rasley

*Call to Worship

ONE:   Around the world people gather to break bread and pour wine.

ALL:   We gather with them in heart and mind.

ONE:    Around the world the broken body is made whole.

ALL:    As part of that body we join in its unity.

ONE:    Around the world the Banquet of God is prepared for the table.

ALL:   We, who share in the banquet, come eagerly to be fed.

ONE:   Let us worship together, let us share God’s bounty.

Written by Rev Gord

*Opening Song          “The Flour is Ground from Finest Wheat”                            Insert

Invitation to Give

Giving Music                           “Behold the Lamb”

Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend

Giving Prayer

Message in Music                   “The Waters of Babylon”                                Peter Amidon

Children’s Time

Following story: Childcare provided – infant thru K-garten – Education Building

Communion Song                  “Seed, scattered and sown”                                               #454

Scripture Focus                          Luke 22: 14-20 (19-20)

Message                                   ”Why I Take Communion”

Invitation to the Table

Communion Song              “Peace, Salaam, Shalom”                                     Choir

Unison Prayer for the Bread and Cup

We pray to find you God –

when we break the bread that also breaks open our hearts;

We pray to find you God –

when we drain the Cup, refilling it with our gifts and offering it to the world;

We pray to find you God –

when we squeeze closer together, making room for a larger community.

Help us to find you, God –

at the Table – where everyone is welcome and we are ALL your people.

To partake of communion; please come forward down the center aisles and return via the outside aisles. If you wish to receive communion where you are seated, please raise your hand and an usher will serve you.

Prayer for World Communion Sunday

*Sending Song                    “Sent forth by God’s blessing”                                       #478

*Sending Words

*Sending Music