World Communion Sunday at IPC

On Sunday, October 4, IPC will join Christians around the world in celebrating World Communion Sunday. Observed on the first Sunday in October, the day celebrates the unity of the Christian church as congregations across denominations, nations, cultures, and languages gather around the Lord’s Table.

The first celebration of World Communion Sunday was held in 1933 at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Hugh Thomson Kerr. The Presbyterian Church adopted the observance in 1936, and it expanded to churches around the world beginning in 1940.

At IPC this Sunday, the communion tables in the Sanctuary and at The Table in Highland Hall will be surrounded by colorful textiles, breads in many shapes and traditions, grapes, and communion vessels, reflecting the global breadth of Christ's church. The displays remind us of the countless tables where God's people will gather this Sunday. Whether it's a tortilla in Mexico, injera in Ethiopia, naan in India, or a loaf of crusty bread in Scotland, Christ will meet them in the bread. As our communion liturgy says, "As many grains were gathered together to make this bread, many grapes were mixed to make this wine. So we who are many, and come from many places, are one in Christ."

As we receive Communion together, we remember that Christ’s table extends far beyond our own congregation and that, though we worship in many places and traditions, we are one body in Christ.

Learn more about the history and meaning of World Communion Sunday from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).