An October Note from Pastor Travis

Dear Friends,

There are important symbols fundamental to our identity as Christians. Though they may be understood differently in various Christian traditions, they traverse the boundaries of dominations and are important to all Christians. They connect us to Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptist, Congregationalist, Orthodox, and all the other traditions into which Christians organize themselves. For example, you can go anywhere in the world and see a cross and know that there are those there who share your basic beliefs.

One of the most important aspects that is common to Christianity is Holy Communion. Yet, Christians bicker about what Communion means and who should receive it. These differences in understanding would be alright, but they prevent us from sharing Communion together. In my opinion, one of the greatest tragedies in Christianity is that when Christians of different traditions gather, they cannot break the bread and share the cup around Christ’s table. Even when leaders of all the major Christian Traditions gather to discuss how they can work more closely together, they don’t share Holy Communion. This is sad.

Yet, in an attempt to draw all Christians together through the bond of Holy Communion the first Sunday of October is set aside as World Communion Sunday. On this day dominations and faith traditions all across the world all have Communion as a symbol of our common bond in Christ. On this Sunday, as we come forth to receive the bread and juice, our minds and hearts are focused on the millions of Christians in every corner of the world who gather and receive Communion too. We remember that despite differences in theology, worship, and organization we are one body. We re- member that despite differences in heritage, color, and language we are united in Christ. Promoting World Communion Sunday on its website the National Council of Churches USA states: “The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has under- mined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God’s earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.”

On Sunday, October 6, we will join with Christians all over the world in the celebration of World Communion Sunday. We will celebrate that our unity in Christ is greater than any differences we have. We will rededicate ourselves to the work of sharing God’s love and following Christ’s exam- ple. We will pray that Christians from all traditions work together so that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven.

On October 6 you are invited, as you are each time we celebrate Holy Communion, to come to the table with joy in your hearts knowing that God loves you and forgives you. Join us as we join Christians from around the world sharing the blessing of Holy Communion.

Peace and Grace, Pastor Travis