Pastor's Message October 1, 2023

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"42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 46-47

 

There’s something about sitting around a table to share a meal. As Jesus’ followers devoted themselves to breaking bread together, there was a sense of understanding that they were a part of something greater than themselves. It was a reminder that they were part of the kingdom of God that Jesus had taught about.

 

Being together to break bread is a way of revealing that we are a part of a new kind of family as well. This family has a centerpiece, and his name is Jesus. As we sit together in community, breaking bread together and remembering Jesus, whether in a large gathering or a small one, we look around that space with an understanding that Jesus calls us brothers and sisters.

 

In this picture of the table, we need to understand that none of us deserves to be at the table breaking bread, and yet we are all invited and welcomed because of Jesus.

 

Jesus spoke some powerfully prophetic words when he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” He knew that we needed time together to remember who we are and what we are a part of.

 

This Sunday, October 1, we will “do this in remembrance” as we join other Christians around the world in sharing communion. Since 1940, Christians of all denominations have marked the first Sunday in October as World Communion Sunday. You are invited to join us at 10 am in the sanctuary, or online through Facebook and YouTube, or Sunday night at 5 pm for Dinner Church in the gym.

 

There will be other opportunities this month for us to gather around a table for “teaching and to fellowship,” “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” Read on in the newsletter about our Bible study classes, Pumpkin Patch fire pit, Cruise-In, Fall Festival, outdoor worship, Wednesday night dinners, mission trip, UMM, UMW, Youth, Children, and so much more. October is a time to reconnect, to gather “together with glad and sincere hearts.”

 

You are invited. Join us and together let’s remember whose we are. 

 

Let us pray:  Jesus, thank you for the power of your table. In your grace you have given us the greatest example of your good news by welcoming us and reminding us to remember you. Amen.

 

Blessings in this new season,

Pastor Teresa