Christians celebrate World Communion Sunday annually on the first Sunday of October, which falls on October 1 this year. It is a day to reflect on the fact that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that all Christian churches and denominations that promote Christian unity are one. On this day, people gain faith and inspiration from the realization that they are a member of a community of millions of believers and worshippers.
The background of World Communion Sunday
John A. Dalles, a Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA) minister, investigated the history of this day. Dr. Hugh Thompson Kerr, rector of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, had the idea that this day should be observed. When he was moderator of the General Assembly in 1930, he conceived of this concept. Rev. Dr. Donald Kerr, the younger son of Dr. Kerr and pastor emeritus of the Roland Park Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, stated that World Communion Sunday originated at the Division of Stewardship at Shadyside. His father had endeavored to unite churches for the sake of Christian unity, from which the idea grew.
Initially, this concept did not gain traction. People did not give much thought to this day, and whatever celebrations there were grew only gradually. With the Second World War came an increased understanding of one’s own mortality, and the spirit of this day took hold. Kerr believed that this day represented the spiritual endeavor to bring the world together. During World War II, this celebration was adopted in the United States, and the National Council of congregations, now known as the National Council of Churches, began endorsing and promoting it to congregations worldwide under the leadership of Jesse Moren Bader.
Before he was betrayed by Judas, Jesus Christ shared a meal with his disciples at the “Last Supper,” which is the subject of numerous celebrations. Even individuals engage in the universal Christian practice of baking bread.
Today, this day is celebrated the world over, bringing together the unique flavor of all denominations with a strong individual character, just like the world we live in.
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5 Interesting Facts About World Communion Day
According to a Pew Research Center analysis, they constitute nearly a third of the world’s 7.3 billion individuals.
Originally known as World Wide Communion Sunday, World Communion Sunday was originally known as World Wide Communion Sunday.
The United Methodist Church celebrates five additional Special Sundays.
The Union Methodist Church states that the dates for World Communion Sunday can be altered if any congregation has a scheduling conflict.
During this time, known as the Season of Peace, the Peace & Global Witness Offering is accepted; the offering officially concludes on World Communion Sunday.
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | October 3 | Sunday |
| 2022 | October 2 | Sunday |
| 2023 | October 1 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 6 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 5 | Sunday |
