A reader of this column recently asked a question that required
me to do some research. Raised a Presbyterian, she wanted to know
if
”
Worldwide Communion Sunday
”
is still observed.
A reader of this column recently asked a question that required me to do some research. Raised a Presbyterian, she wanted to know if “Worldwide Communion Sunday” is still observed.
Well, sort of. This special day originated in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1936. Leaders set aside the first Sunday in October as a time when members would participate in receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion to symbolize their unity and connection with other Christians around the world, hoping this practice would spread to other denominations.
Some success was gained in 1940 when the Department of Evangelism of the Federal Council of Churches (now, National Council of Churches) recommended its observance by member denominations.
However, as an increasing number of churches began to celebrate Communion on a weekly basis, the day became less popular. Today, it seems, this special Sunday (now known as “World Communion Sunday”) is mainly observed by some Protestant churches. Here are some examples.
The congregations of the Reformed Church in America use this occasion to celebrate the unity of the worldwide church. In addition to celebrating by serving Communion, they may read the day’s scripture passages in more than one language, incorporate music from different cultures into the service, include prayers from around the world during prayer time and designate the day’s offering to overseas missions or a local ecumenical ministry.
Two hundred years ago, Thomas Campbell, founder of the Disciples of Christ, said that “the church in the whole world is united. … It is one.”
On Oct. 4, congregations of this denomination are inviting other Christians to unite with them for “Great Communion” celebrations in communities across the nation and around the world to commemorate Campbell’s vision of Christian unity.
In the United Methodist Church, the day is one of six church-wide special Sundays. In 2008, an offering of $1,028,865 was collected for special purposes:
– Half the money provides scholarships for international and United States racial and ethnic-minority graduate students.
– Thirty-five percent of the receipts support ethnic scholarships for undergraduate students.
– Fifteen percent funds ethnic in-service training program scholarships for people seeking second careers in church-related vocations.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) also collects a special annual offering to mark this occasion. Since 1980, it has been devoted to peacemaking activities. Each congregation is encouraged to retain 25 percent of the money received for local peacemaking ministries within the community. They are encouraged to consider helping fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The remainder of the money raised goes to regional bodies and the national church for dispersal for peacemaking ministries.
Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper, The Holy Eucharist, The Divine Liturgy and The Mass are all names for one of the two central sacraments (defined as an “outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace”) practiced by Christians.
Before his death, Jesus of Nazareth shared a ritual meal with his disciples and commanded them to share bread and wine together until he returned (see Matthew 26:26-28). However, there is a wide variety of beliefs held and practices followed by the various Christian churches.
– Some teach that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ (“transubstantiation”). Others say the bread and wine remain unchanged, but Christ’s presence by faith is spiritually present in them (“real presence”). Others believe the bread and wine remain unchanged but are symbols to remember his death and resurrection.
– Churches disagree how often the rite should be celebrated: daily, monthly, quarterly or annually.
– The bread and wine take different forms: unleavened wafers or crackers, a loaf of risen bread, wine, unfermented grape juice and water.
– In some churches, the wine is drunk from a shared container (chalice). And in others, small, individual cups are used.
– Among the other differences are how elaborate the ceremony is for preparing and distributing the Communion elements, the age at which children are allowed to partake of Communion and whether lay members can receive both bread and wine.
