Let them eat bread!

This Sunday is World Communion Day. This tradition of every Christian church in the world partaking of this sacrament on the same day began in 1933 in a little church in Pennsylvania. It was adopted in the 1940’s as a symbol of unity during the years of World War II. We celebrate it to recognize the unity of the Body of Christ regardless of language, color, denomination and all the other ways that we divide up people. The observance calls for churches to celebrate unity and diversity among all God's children, recognizing the inclusive nature of the church.  With war ravaging several countries around the globe, never has this important message of unity in Christ been needed more in my lifetime. I want to invite you to do something this year that we have never done before. I want you to make some bread that represents your heritage and bring it with you on Sunday. These breads will symbolize all the diversity of our lives as we break bread together. I got this idea from Pastor Sherri who told me that her church had done this and she had baked corn bread because she grew up in Atlanta.

My mother’s side of the family comes from Tupelo Mississippi and when I searched for breads of Mississippi the most common result was sourdough. I can’t make this bread so I might have to buy some to bring. On my father’s side of the family, breads from Finland are made with cardamon. I have started making a dish that my grandmother made which is too complicated to make on Sunday. But I look forward to smelling and tasting the breads that you will bring and share. We will place the breads at the altar to symbolize the diversity and unity of our congregation. Then we will eat them! (After worship.)

In the United Methodist church we take up a special offering to provide scholarships on this special day. If you would like to give to this global program, you may click here. Contributions fund scholarships for U.S. and international students, as well as grants for global inclusion, and access training. Last year, over $360,000 was raised to advance these educational initiatives.

I am in Kansas City this week attending the Church of the Resurrection’s Leadership Institute. I signed up for this a long time ago before my son’s unexpected heart surgery. I almost backed out but then I realized that I needed some inspiration. I am so glad that I came. The speakers have all been dynamic and I am excited about all the good ideas that I am bringing home. The rest of the year is planned and now the creative team to help me make these ideas a reality is needed. Pastor Sherri will lead this team and we probably need about five more people. If you are willing to help, shoot me a text message or an email.

I can’t wait to see you on Sunday. I am so glad to be done wrestling with Daniel!

I love you and God loves you,