World Communion

I'm still not sure I understand exactly what a "blog" is, but I think I'm beginning to realize that this is a space for me to share my thoughts, feelings, and insights in the hope that someone will read them and be challenged or enlightened in some way in their Christian journey. With that in mind, let me say what a joy it was to join with so many in our celebration of World Communion Sunday yesterday.  The flags of other nations added so much color and beauty to our sanctuary, and reminded us of the depth and breadth and width of the Body of Christ.  (The Body of Christ is all believers, everywhere, who accept Christ as their Savior).  The prayers which were offered in other languages served as a striking reminder that God hears the language of our hearts far more clearly than He hears the words of our mouths.  Jan Crossett's time with the children enabled the children of our congregation to put names and faces with other children who live very different lives in very different places.  Andrew Weaver did an excellent job of "signing" the anthem, and by so doing he enabled us to understand that God speaks a language not dependent on our ability to speak or hear.  For those of us who can hear, the music of worship was beautiful, and so appropriate for World Communion.  Jimmie and Jill Lancaster were visiting from the Presbytery office, Walter and Lois Lockhart were here from Trenton, Alphonse Anyakem was with us from Cameroon, and the sanctuary was very close to being full.  It was just a wonderful day of worship in so many ways!

And then came Sunday School!  I can't speak for other classes, but I know that my class continued the spirit of worship as we moved from the sanctuary to the classroom, discussing what it means to be part of the Body of Christ, with all it's diversity, and the challenges and joys and responsibilities that come with that diversity.  And then came the PYC Youth Gathering!  Teens from Memphis to Paris came to our church for an afternoon of fun, ice cream, and worship.  What a joy it was to see our youth group leading the whole gathering in song during worship in the front yard of the church!

All in all, it was a very powerful day of worship, learning, discussion, and fun at First Presbyterian Church.  I truly hope that you were able to be with us for at least part of the day.  Let me just say that one of the things of which we are reminded every time we celebrate communion is the importance and value of every member of the Body of Christ.  That means you!  If you were not here yesterday, or you have not been here in a while, or even if you have never been here, please know that there is a place, and a need, for you here at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson.  The Body of Christ is deep and wide, and we would love to welcome you into your place in that Body, here at First Pres.  Come learn of His great love for you!