World Communion Sunday

By Pastor Mark McAdow
This Sunday, Oct. 6, is World Communion Sunday. What does that mean? It’s an opportunity to share in Holy Communion with people of various denominations around the world.

World Communion Sunday began in 1933 in the spirit of Christian unity by a Presbyterian minister. It is always celebrated on the first Sunday in October worldwide. It reminds us of the sacrament we share in common with other Christian believers: Holy Communion, also called The Lord’s Supper.

It’s always been a special day for me to think of a communion table encircling the world, with people of all ethnic identities at the table – all who love Jesus. It’s a table that welcomes all, and excludes none, who desire to be forgiven of their sins and be drawn closer to Jesus.

This is especially poignant to me because a family member was recently denied Holy Communion at a church in our area because she did not belong to the membership of that church. They practiced “closed table” communion, members only. At Willow View, we practice “open table” where all are welcomed regardless of membership standing. We believe the table is Christ’s table, not our own, and we remember the words of Jesus Christ when He said: “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this in remembrance of me.” Paul adds in I Corinthians 11:26, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

What is required to receive Holy Communion? Paul writes in I Corinthians 11:28, “A man (or woman) ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” We must ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and identify specific sin we need to confess and repent of before receiving the sacrament. None of us our worthy, but that’s the very reason we need communion. Christ’s sinless sacrifice on a Roman cross paid for our sin. What a blessing! Forgiveness and salvation are found in no other name than Jesus Christ.

Come and dine with Jesus and all gathered at His table this Sunday.

Yours in Christ’s love,
Pastor Mark

P.S.: This Sunday is also our OBI blood drive in honor of our own Joyce Fales. If you’re able, please prayerfully consider donating a pint of blood this Sunday for her and others’ benefit.

Thanks to each of you who give faithfully to Willow View. You will receive your third quarter giving statement next week. We appreciate you so very much.