“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” – I Cor. 10:17

Recently, I read about a sourdough starter over 120 years old that a family had passed down for generations and shared that bread starter with friends and neighbors as well.  It brought depth and meaning to the idea Paul writes in I Corinthians that, “we all share one loaf”.  Isn’t it amazing to think that the bread this family shares today is basically the same bread their great-grandparents also shared?  I love the idea of sharing tradition and recipes.  I also love the idea of sharing beyond ourselves and our small circle of family and friends to include the world into this invitation.

As we celebrate World Communion Sunday this week, we are called to draw the welcome circle wider to include more people, more communities, more of the world to our Communion Table.  In these Covid-19 days of social distancing, inviting people over for dinner might not be the wisest way to extend the table in your home; but there are powerful ways we can extend the table even farther than our dining rooms will fit.  One of those is investing in a mission opportunity in our community or across the world.  Last week we shared the African Children’s Choir virtual concert.  If you missed it, here is the link once again for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_RBXzLfE3U&feature=youtu.be

Another way you can draw the welcome circle of the communion table wider is by participating in our deacon fund offering Below you will see a report about how this offering is making a difference in lives of people finding themselves in difficult situations.

A third opportunity in the coming weeks is participating in Embracing Orphans’ “Home Run” Fun Run.  Home Run is a virtual run (5k+) supporting The Father’s House & Immanuel House, transitional homes in Jamaica.  Home Run is a suggested donation of $50 to Embracing Orphans.  Home Run will take place Oct. 16, 17, & 18.   You may walk, bicycle, swim, or any other form of human movement.

To sign up visit the Embracing Orphans website:  www.embracingorphans.org/donate

It is my hope that you will find creative ways to draw the welcome circle wider to include those who are sick and hurting, those who are lonely and in need.  May you feel God’s love and care as you extend God’s love to others.

God of Welcome and Wonder, help us draw the welcome circle wider.
Triune God, help us care for those who are in need: for those who are alone this day, for those who lack the resources to care for their family, for those who see no way out of the graves that surround them, for those who want nothing more than a word of welcome, and for those who need the gospel to sustain them for the coming week.  God of Welcome and Wonder, help us draw the welcome circle wider.  Amen