On October 6, The Village Church will come together for World Communion Sunday, a day that has deep roots in history and holds even deeper meaning for Christians worldwide. This special Sunday will be marked by a single, united service at 10 AM, followed by a time of fellowship with food and entertainment, bringing us closer as a community.
World Communion Sunday has a rich history dating back to the 1930s. It was first celebrated by Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, with the intent of fostering unity among Christians during a time of deep division. Since then, it has become a global tradition, inviting believers across denominations to gather at the table of the Lord, regardless of their background. The Presbyterian Church adopted the day officially in 1936, but its message is universal: we are all one in Christ, bound together by His love and sacrifice.
For me, this celebration of unity brings back memories of family reunions at Hatchett Creek Presbyterian Church, outside of Shady Grove, Alabama, close to Goodwater. The historic church, with its humble brush arbor, was a gathering place for generations of my family. Every year, we came together—everyone brought food, everyone brought love, and everyone brought their true, authentic selves. It was a time to share stories, catch up on life, and celebrate another year of family. Though we were all different, we were united by our common bond, our shared bloodline. In the same way, World Communion Sunday reminds us that there’s a place at the table for everyone in the family of Christ.
This year, our service has been thoughtfully organized by dedicated members like Karen Howell, who leads the Unity committee with care and ensures that we remain mindful of what it means to serve Jesus with an eye to all walks of life throughout the year. Karen’s heart for unity and service has helped shape this celebration into something truly special, where we not only come together to partake in Communion but also to reflect on the deeper meaning of what it means to be the body of Christ.
We’re calling the service 'Unity,' and the name speaks volumes. In a world that seems increasingly divided, we are called to remember that Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just something to celebrate one Sunday a year; it’s something we are called to live out every day. We are different in many ways—culturally, politically, socially—but in Christ, we are the same. We are all invited to the same table, where the bread and cup remind us of the sacrifice made for all.
I encourage you to join us on October 6 for this special time of worship and fellowship. Just like my family reunions, where everyone was welcomed and everyone belonged, World Communion Sunday is a time for all to come together. Let’s celebrate the unity we have in Christ, not just as a church, but as part of a global family. We are different, but we are united by a common bloodline—the blood of Jesus, who makes us one.
I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate this beautiful unity together.
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