My church, here in Atlanta, observed World Communion Sunday this past Sunday with a wonderful service which combined the traditional worship service along with the emergent service.  As we observed the ordinance of communion in the company of Christians across the world, there was a wonderful sense of unity – both locally and globally. World Communion Sunday, which originated in the Presbyterian church in 1936, is a time to celebrate our oneness in Christ – something sorely needed in a world which seems increasingly dominated by divisive fear and mistrust.

 Without a hint of the dreaded “worship wars,” our service incorporated meaningful music from the contemporary band from the emergent service and the more traditional style of music from the sanctuary choir, organist and a beautiful duet sung by the pastor and the minister of music.

 As the elements were shared in the observance of the Lord’s Supper, it was, as the pastor said, “not a memorial meal” but a time of the “celebration of Christ’s presence.”   As he said at that time, “While I understand we remember Jesus, as He asked us to, He remains the host of the Supper, not just a memory from it. As on the road to Emmaus, it is why our hearts are strangely warmed when we break the bread!”

For me (and many others), it was truly a time of communion in so many ways.