This Sunday, October 6, the Imperial Beach United Methodist Church will be joining with Christians around the world to celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday.
This is an annual occurrence on the first Sunday of October when the Christian church is mindful of all Christians denominations as we gather around the Lord’s Table to partake of the bread and the cup.
For this Worldwide Communion Sunday, Pastor John will talk about gathering around the Lord’s Table and how we, as Christians can increase our faith.
It is heard in the Gospel reading for the day that the disciples went to Jesus asking him to increase their faith. So, how do we have our faith increased? What does that even mean? Pastor John will seek to explore that with the congregation.
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As custom for the 10:30am worship service, Holy Communion will be celebrated this Sunday as it is the first Sunday of the month. At the 9am worship service, Holy Communion is celebrated every week during the thirty minute worship experience.
In the United Methodist Church we believe the cup and the bread in the celebration of Holy Communion represent the “real presence” of Jesus. At no point in the celebration do they change into the literal body and blood of Christ. They remain simply a cup of grape juice* and a loaf of bread; however, it is in the receiving and consuming of these elements of juice and bread that the real presence of Jesus can be known and experience within the individual.
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In the United Methodist Church, all are welcome to receive Holy Communion. We proclaim to have an open table for all. One does not need to be a United Methodist or even a baptized Christian to partake. You can be an atheist and if you want to receive there is a place for you. There are no rituals or requirement for receiving. One only needs to want to participate. No one can be denied or forced to receive the Sacrament. This is purely a spiritual meal solely between the individual and God. Children as well as adults may receive the Sacrament.
Please come and experience life within a welcoming church community and taste the goodness of God through the celebration of the Lord’s Table.
If you have questions about this Sunday, about Holy Communion or anything else, please email me at JonEdwin@aol.com. I would really enjoy chatting with you.
Blessings,
Pastor John
*It is a longstanding tradition for United Methodist congregations to use grape juice rather than alcohol (wine) for Holy Communion out of respect of those dealing with or recovering from alcohol issues. The church never wants to prevent anyone from ever receiving the cup and the bread during Holy Communion.
Imperial Beach United Methodist Church
455 Palm Avenue
9:00am – a 30-minute Worship with Holy Communion celebrated weekly.
10:30am – worship with Holy Communion celebrated the first Sunday of the month.
9:30am – Sunday School for elementary age school children
