Fall is here. The pandemic continues. The election is coming. Even though this October is far from normal— still in the midst of it all, we do well to remember that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) So in the midst of limiting factors and different kinds of anxieties this year, we boldly proclaim the promises of Christ and do what we are always called to do as His followers. In this edition of Table Talk you will read about our work together on racial justice, feeding the hungry, growing through education, sublime music as an expression of God’s love, stewardship of the earth, our congregational meeting, and many other things that are keeping us vibrant during these challenging times. In my Pastor’s Corner, I’ll simply speak to our worship life.
On Sunday, October 4th, we will recognize World Communion Sunday. This tradition grew out of the World Council of Churches 80 years ago and so many churches still dedicate it as a time to remember the gift of the Table and how we are all called to it by our Lord. If you worship remotely (via YouTube) on the 4th I would again invite you to set a table with bread, wine (or grape juice) at home before you begin watching. As before, when I say that “this is the body of Christ and the blood of Christ given and shed for us”, I would then invite you to eat the bread and drink the cup. I will not make a general invitation since it’s unknowable who is participating in virtual worship and whether or not they understand the Sacrament of Altar. Also, I’d ask that people not repeat the virtual communion but rather partake once in the moment of worship. For those who attend our modified in person worship, we will have a safe Eucharistic component at the very end of worship. This will be explained at the service.
On Wednesday, October 7th, we will join with Christian sisters and brothers from neighboring churches for a brief outdoor service of Holy Communion to be held at Calvary United Methodist Church on Rowe Blvd beginning at 6 pm. Please bring a chair and a mask. The service will be held in the lower parking lot and I will be sharing in leadership with other local pastors. This
service seeks to honor the spirit of World Communion and our felt need for all local churches to grow closer and learn from one another.
As you might recall, we had hoped for our annual Polka Mass and Oktoberfest on October 11th but that is obviously not possible this year. Please know, that the band has penciled us in for late spring for a Fruhlingsfest in 2021 instead. We will hope and pray that this can happen then.
October 25th is Reformation Sunday and I would share that this too will be a day when the Sacrament will be celebrated either at home or in person.
Finally, I wanted to mention that since tensions are particularly high with this Presidential election, on each of the four Sundays prior to election day, we plan to weave a national hymn into worship. In this way, we will lift our current national problems before God in song as we ask for God’s help in the midst of turbulent and divisive times.
Please know that I remain grateful for you, your faithfulness, and service to Christ in our world. Your staff regularly prays for you and we’re always here to help as able. Please continue to stay safe and may the blessings of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with and remain with each of you.
In Christ’s Love and Service,
Pastor Dave
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