WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
On the first Sunday in October, World Communion Sunday encourages those of the Christian faith to experience Holy Communion together. The day also demonstrates unity among various denominations in the church.
Holy Communion is also known as Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper. Many Christians observe communion because Jesus commanded them to do so. Communion is a way for Christians to recognize they are part of the body of believers and that Jesus is the head of the Church.
The Last Supper
In the Bible, Jesus and his disciples shared their last meal together before Jesus was crucified on the cross. This meal is called the Last Supper. During the meal, Jesus broke bread with his disciples and shared wine. The bread signified the body of Christ and the wine his blood. This event constitutes the biblical basis for the practice of Holy Communion.
The book of Luke states, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave to them saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:19-20.
Years after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul instituted the Lord’s Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 it says, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner, He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
Through the years, many Christian denominations have observed their own version of Holy Communion. Even though it might look different, there is always bread and wine or grape juice present during the observance. Communion is also a time of prayer, worship, scripture reading, and self-reflection.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldCommunionSunday
Many Christian churches throughout the world hold a special communion service on this day. Churches also participate in the following ways:
- Use breads from around the world for communion.
- Have the children bake the bread.
- Show images of Christians around the world engaged in worship.
- Host a guest speaker from another country.
You can help spread awareness for this day on social media with #WorldCommunionSunday.
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY HISTORY
Hugh Thomson Kerr, a pastor at Shadyside Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, began the tradition of World Communion Sunday in 1933. He had come up with the idea in 1930. This is when he served as a moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. In 1936, the U.S. Presbyterian Church adopted World Communion Sunday. Each year, other denominations in the country began to embrace the day. In 1940, the National Council of Churches endorsed World Communion Sunday and promoted it to churches across the globe.
DATES:
2 October 2022
1 October 2023
6 October 2024
5 October 2025
4 October 2026
3 October 2027
1 October 2028
7 October 2029
6 October 2030
5 October 2031
