World Communion Sunday, Oct. 1

World Communion Sunday is October 1, 2017.

Around the globe, countless gifted and qualified people face financial obstacles that hinder them from preparing for the vocation God has given them, especially youth and young adults. For ethnic students who will be the first generation in their families to attend college, or for those people of color who haven’t historically had access to resources that make higher education possible, the road toward education has often been unwieldy.

What would it look like if the church today imitated Jesus’ affirmation of the full dignity and God-given potential of all women and men—especially those who’ve historically been assigned to the world’s margins?

On World Communion Sunday your giving helps to provide scholarships for national and international graduate students whom God has gifted to learn and to serve.

Here in Louisiana, Rev. AnnaKate Rawles, Munholland UMC, shares her thoughts on World Communion Sunday: 
 

World Communion Sunday is a day when churches are invited to emphasize that the body of Christ shares the sacrament in the rich diversity while affirming that “there is one body and one Spirit ...one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.”

We are many individuals of differing ethnicities, races, socioeconomic statuses, abilities, ages, uniquely created, sacred individuals of differing backgrounds. This year each congregation is invited to leave their churches and take communion, and the unity of the body of Christ into our divided communities.

Go under the bridges, into the parks, into the mall, out to coffee shops or bars and share the body of Christ with people who might look different than your congregation.

We share the body of Christ for the world to all people as the kingdom is ever expanding, so should the communion table.
 
Find ways to intentionally leave your church building this World Communion Sunday and go into the community to share the grace, love, and hope that is found in the Kingdom of God. When you go use the hash tags #onebody #worldcommunion2017
 
Grants are available for those who take this opportunity to engage in vital conversations and more information on those grants can be found here. 

 

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You can read stories of impact here and we hope you’ve already downloaded the free World Communion Sunday Pastor and Leader’s Kit and ordered your leaflet/offering envelopes and posters to enhance your celebration.

If not, there’s still time to take advantage of these free resources! 

You also can share the impact that generous giving on World Communion Sunday makes around the world.

Watch the short video “A Moment in Mission: World Communion Sunday” or read an inspiring story about the impact of your gifts to World Communion Sunday.

Share your favorites with your congregation and church leaders during upcoming services or in small groups.