Dear Centenarians:
There are several important worship events specific to us that will take place over the span of the coming month, but one in particular stands out for this month’s column.
Each year on the first Sunday in October Christians celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday. Regardless of a congregation’s frequency in celebrating the Lord’s Supper (the 1st Sunday of each month for Centenary), all Christians “worldwide” participate in receiving this gift of sacramental love from God.
Worldwide Communion Sunday was initiated by mainline Protestant denominations at the outbreak of W.W. II, as a response to the reality of war but as an expression of hope and peace among disciples of Jesus Christ. The yearly observance of this Sunday remained in place at the conclusion of the war, and United Methodists along with others continue its tradition.
Perhaps never before in the modern era, and especially in the young 21st century, has there been a time when people are searching to find common ground amidst so many fractures in society.
The changing definitions of gender and family have brought both joy and pain for individuals and households. Our political system continues its gridlock at all levels of government. “Hot button” social issues such as marriage equality and immigration divide persons into different camps based on extreme ideologies.
Regardless of where you and I stand on these and other issues, the act of Holy Communion brings us together in the most important bond that defines us: That is our common identity as followers of Jesus Christ, who commit to following his ways as lived through his life, ministry, death and resurrection.
In a society where people are increasingly defining themselves (and being defined) by their individuality and uniqueness, the act of coming together through the Lord’s Supper enables us to recognize our God-given worth and value that far transcends the artificial and superficial identities that tempt us to assume them.
Because we are created in God’s image, that is all the affirmation we need, and sharing in the Lord’s Supper is the ultimate affirmation we receive as Christians.
I hope you can be with us on Sunday, Oct. 3rd, as we along with Christians all over the world come together through the Holy Spirit to partake in the Lord’s Supper. Through this one important act of faith, we affirm the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for us and for God’s people throughout the whole wide world.
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
