It is WORLDWIDE COMMUNION SUNDAY on October 4^th. Think of Christians all around the globe sharing this powerful meal!  Wow!  What a deep love we share!  As you partake, remember your brothers and sisters all around the globe … your holy family!  Also think about what this communion means to you personally.

Several years ago, a beautiful story appeared in the "Bible Expositor and Illuminator." It was about a Christian man whose wife was killed in a tragic automobile accident leaving him to care for their three-year-old daughter. All the joy he had known seemed to vanish in his grief. The night after the funeral, he was preparing his daughter for bed when the lights went out all over the house. His little girl became afraid so he held her right in his arms. At first she snuggled against him in silence, but when her fears subsided, she said, "It's so dark! But I'm not afraid daddy because you are here with me!" Tears welled up in the father's eyes. He buried his face in his daughter's hair and reflected on what she had said, saying: "Yes dear, my life is dark right now. But I'm not afraid either, because I know that my Heavenly Father is with me too." That man received courage and comfort from knowing that God was with him.

That same comforting reassurance is ours today. No matter how dark your life is right now ... No matter what struggles and troubles you are having to endure, I want you to rest assured in the knowledge that Christ is really present with you today through these elements of bread and wine. As you go to the communion table, Christ will come to you in mystery and power. Don't try to explain his presence, just experience it. Experience the cleansing power of his forgiveness, offering you newness of life. Experience the reassurance of Christ's constant presence, not only at this altar but in your daily life with him. Experience the warm embrace of his loving arms and know that you will be all right because Christ is with you