The first Sunday in October is designated as World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and sisters around the world. Paul tells us that we are to “discern the body” when we partake of Holy Communion, mindful that we note our relationship to all our brothers and sisters in Christ in the celebration. One is not to go hungry while another is drunk! (I Cor. 11:21). This is scandalous behavior opposed to the Way of Christ. Thus it is appropriate that World Communion Sunday is also a time when we receive the annual Peace and Global Witness Offering as a way of continuing the ancient Christian practice of sharing what we have with brothers and sisters in need.

As in previous months, when we have celebrated the Sacrament of Holy Communion together in the sanctuary, this World Communion will have available for each worshipper a pre-filled element (containing Communion wafer and juice).

In our ongoing worship series on ‘The Sermon on the Mount’, you will hear the passage wherein Jesus offers insight into prayer and fasting, communicating with God in our lives of faith. (Matthew 6:5-18)

With virtual worship, broadcast to your homes, you are again invited to gather your elements for holy communion and partake at the pastor’s invitation as we celebrate at home.

Typically we would be promoting the Presbyterian Church special offering for Peace and Global Witness. We hope you’ll include a special gift for Covenant’s peacemaking and our witness to the gospel in the world. Special offering envelopes will be in the pews, and you can send a financial gift, noted for “Peacemaking Offering” to the church.

These certainly are unusual circumstances to be celebrating World Communion. But perhaps today’s challenges might help make our “world” seem a bit smaller and more personal than merely the globe on which we live. May God continue to bless you and those you love, as we witness in faith every way we can.

In Christ’s Peace,