World Communion Sunday
As United Methodists we experience the bread and cup of the Lord’s Supper as more than mere symbols. In the sacrament of Holy Communion we experience the real presence of the Living Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that Christians need to partake of communion often and with joy.
At Norton United Methodist Church and at our Outreach Service at Mt. View Regional Medical Center, Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month and on special holy days, including Maundy Thursday, All Saints Sunday and Christmas Eve.
We practice an open communion. Everyone is welcome at the Communion table, regardless of their church affiliation or membership status. Christ invites everyone who repents of their sin and places their trust in him. All that is required is a willingness to receive the grace of Christ and an awareness of our need for him. There are no special rules regarding the participation of children in the sacrament (a specific age when children are granted access to the Lord’s table). This decision is left up to the parents. In our faith tradition infants are allowed to experience baptism, so it makes good sense that children are also invited to the Lord’s table as soon as they are able to do so. Children seem to be excited by the experience and receive the bread and cup with joy.
On this coming Sunday, October 3, 2010 we will join with Christians around the world for an observance of World Communion Sunday. Come and taste a portion of the goodness of God’s grace. The pastor’s sermon, “The Six Moods of Holy Communion” will explore some of the historic issues related to communion and how the sacrament can become a blessing in your life.
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