What does celebrating Holy Communion mean to you? If it’s important to you, like it is to me, how much more special is it to celebrate Holy Communion when you know our sisters and brothers in the faith are celebrating with you all around the world? That’s what we will do as we celebrate World Communion Sunday this Sunday - whoa!
When Jesus established this powerful sacrament, he gathered his followers in the upper room of a rented house. It was the night before his death. They didn’t know he was about to die. They had missed all the signs and messages Jesus had given them.
Some of them were not even sure exactly who Jesus was. They wondered. Some had an idea. Yet they were not fully convinced. Still, he invited them to participate. As he prepared them to receive the bread and the wine, he told them what it meant and how to receive these sacred elements.
This is my body, given for you. Eat this and remember me. Eat this, chew it, consume it, to become me, to become my body, my hands, feet, eyes, ears, heart, and mouth.
This is my blood. It’s the blood of the New Covenant. A covenant between you and God which I have mediated. This blood, my blood, is shed for the forgiveness of your sins, and the sins of the many, so that you can be my body washed in my blood. Drink this and remember me and how I have made you clean and in right relationship with God.
We celebrate this intentionally on the first Sunday of the month, usually every month. Sometimes we celebrate it more. Yet, we are not alone. Because, this Sunday we celebrate with other followers of Jesus, many who know him and love him, and many who are still wondering exactly who he is, all around the world.
As we celebrate, give thanks, and remember, we offer a prayer together. That we may be one with Jesus and one with each other. So that all of us, all around the world, may be one in ministry, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and inviting more people to discover, know, and experience Christ until the day of his return. That way, we may all join together and feast together at his heavenly banquet.
As a child, I remember a beautiful way that our church celebrated communion by passing trays, taking a wafer and cup, then consuming them together on queue. I remember going to friends’ churches and not being allowed to receive because I was not a member of that church or that denomination. I remember being part of a church where we celebrated communion only once a year. I remember the first time I received communion by intinction (dipping the bread in the juice) and how beautifully intimate it was. I remember celebrating communion at John Wesley’s New Room chapel in Bristol, England. There are many more experiences of Holy Communion I hold in my heart. They are all experiences of God’s grace.
Yet, every month, I look forward to celebrating and offering communion in worship with you. What are some of your favorite memories and moments surrounding communion? Who are some people you know who might be wrestling with who Jesus is? Who can you invite to receive communion with you?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Daniel
This Sunday, you have a simple mission opportunity. One of our ministries at Bread of Life is supplying families with very young children with much-needed diapers. To meet the needs of families across Springdale and Northwest Arkansas, we participate in the Diaper Collective.
The National Diaper Bank Network reports that 40% of families are experiencing diaper needs nationwide. By participating in this drive, you are helping us keep babies clean, happy, and healthy in Northwest Arkansas! Currently, The Diaper Collective serves more than 1,600 children each month and distributed over 800,000 diapers in 2025!
We invite you to partner with us and bring a package of diapers this Sunday. As you come forward for communion, bring your bag(s) of diapers forward and place them along the chancel rail or kneelers. All collected diapers will support babies in our community.