Dear Members, Friends, Siblings, All,

In our next worship service, we join with Christians across the globe for World Communion Sunday. Somehow, it feels especially important to remind ourselves of the unity we share in Jesus Christ. Probably because unity among Christians seems so distant right now.

As we approach the Communion Table on Sunday, we will enact what we dream of and what Jesus prayed for in John 17:21-23, the words we recognize as the motto of the United Church of Christ: “that they may all be one.”

You are invited to place a small item on the Communion Table that recalls to you of the far-flung communion of believers in this time and beyond time around the world. It could be a family treasure, souvenir, a photograph, a candle—whatever brings those distant siblings near in memory.

Additionally, there is a collection of bread recipes from around the world here.

A recent article in the UCC News by Donna Jackson (September 23, 2025) is very helpful to provide fuller information about the origins of this observance and its theological grounding in our faith traditions. Here is an excerpt:

 United Church of Christ congregations are heading into the Oct. 5 celebration of World Communion Sunday, with a sense of urgency. After all, if ever there was a time to reaffirm the oneness in Christ with its siblings near and far, it is now.

 “World Communion Sunday powerfully reminds us of what is always true when we participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion: at Christ’s table we are all one. In a nation and world afflicted with so much conflict, hatred and division, we need this blessed reminder,” said Rev. Shari Prestemon, Associate General Minister for the United Church of Christ and Co-Executive of Global Ministries, a shared witness between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the UCC. “We are also compelled to demonstrate a commitment to building unity and peace in our lives every day,” she added.

 One Lord, one faith, one baptism

World Communion Sunday, held the first Sunday in October, was the idea of Rev. Dr. Hugh Thompson Kerr. In 1933, the Presbyterian minister wanted to lift the biblical reality that through baptism, congregations worldwide were connected to one another. Kerr often cited Ephesians’ “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” In 1940, against the backdrop of World War II, when division and discourse were ripping apart the seam of unity, the Department of Evangelism of the Federal Council of Churches — the predecessor of today’s National Council of Churches — embraced World Communion Sunday. It was soon adopted by many denominations, including the UCC.

 Today, though, unity is once again being pulled at the seams as political dissension grows, and U.S. government funding cuts threaten global aid programs. “In a time when more boundaries are set up — physical and psychological — World Communion Sunday is a time to celebrate the ways the Church is enabling the breaking down of the dividing walls,” said Dr. Peter E. Makari, Global Relations Minister, Middle East and Europe for Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ.

 Scripture on unity anchors resources

From liturgy to music to children’s sermon illustrations, Global Ministries has created a plethora of World Communion resources for 2025 highlighting the many ways in which the UCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are strengthening the tie that binds God’s children together. As Makari points out, “we are all connected in many ways.” The resources are anchored in the following Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, where Paul talks about the Church as one body with many parts; Psalm 133:1, celebrating the goodness of God’s children living in harmony; and John 17:21-23, where Jesus prays that all believers may be one.

                                                                                                              © United Church of Christ 2025

 Come join us at the Table of World Communion on Sunday, either gathered at the table in the sanctuary or among the online Streamers (don’t forget to ready your bread and “wine”). If you are as much in need of refreshment as I am, we’ll see you there.

 Love and hugs,

 Rev. Liz