The Messenger - September 30, 2009

First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro

by Rev. Neal Neuenschwander

 

A Global Day of Praise

 

Did you know that this weekend, October 4th is World Communion Sunday? That's the one weekend in the year when almost every Christian Church throughout the planet will celebrate the sacrament of communion. Some churches do this weekly, some monthly, and some quarterly, but almost all of them will do it this weekend. Some denominations still see communion as a privilege just for their members, and some still use it as a doctrinal test. But most Christians in our era have come to recognize that God is bigger than any one congregation or denomination or continent. And this Sunday is a perfect chance to celebrate that fact.

 

In order to help us focus on this mighty theme, the Missions Commission of our Church will be hosting a Global Missions Fair and Alternative Christmas Market in McDonald Hall right after worship. During this festive event, you can share some tasty soups, enjoy some beautiful handicrafts, earn some fun "prizes", and support some worthy groups who have labored in God's name both here and throughout the world.

 

This year, we plan to recognize 8 very worthy groups:

• Habitat for Humanity
• The Heifer Project
• Child Share
• SHAWL
• Teen Challenge
• Young Life
• 3rd World Crafts, and
• UNICEF

 

You can learn more about most of these groups by checking the "Supported Organizations" link on our church web site. And some of that information might even win you a little prize at our fair. On a somewhat more serious note, you can support the last 2 of these groups by purchasing some of the lovely 3rd world gifts they will display. You can support the first 6 of these groups by making a financial donation at their table after church. Some folks like to donate in honor of a loved one and send that person a seasonal card of acknowledgement. Others prefer to keep their giving anonymous. The choice is up to you.

 

Finally, we hope every member of the church will help us celebrate this day by wearing an international garment or piece of jewelry. You Scots may have a kilt. You Germans may have lederhosen. And you Francophiles may have a beret. Even those of us who have rarely left America usually own a necklace, ring, or tie that celebrates the culture of another land. So, be creative! Show your ethnic roots or your appreciation for other lands by "dressing up" a bit this Sunday morning.

 

I'll see you in church!

Pastor Neal

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