THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Job 1:1, 2:1-10
THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12
SERMON "God's Family"
World Communion Sunday (originally called World Wide Communion Sunday) originated in the Presbyterian Church (USA). In 1936, for the first time, the first Sunday in October was celebrated in Presbyterian churches in the United States and overseas. From the beginning, it was planned so that other denominations could make use of it and, after a few years, the idea spread beyond the Presbyterian Church. Today, thousands of churches all over the world are celebrating at the Lord's Table. This day is also when we collect the Peacemaking Offering intended to create and sustain peacemaking efforts both internationally and locally.
We will be taking communion by intinction this morning. Fostering a sense of the spirit of communion and community, you will remain seated as the bread and the cup are brought to the end of each aisle. You will be handed the bread first, and then you pass it on. Then you will dip the bread in the cup as it is held by your other neighbor. In the Presbyterian church we have an open table which means everyone is welcome to take communion no matter there denomination or creed.
The hymn "The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing" is a selection from the new denominational hymnal of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The new hymnal, which will be called Glory to God, has been in development since 2004 and is expected to be finalized for publication in fall 2013. As part of a program called "Many Voices, One Song," Westminster will use specific hymns from Glory to God in our worship services on selected dates throughout 2012.
