Southwest Texans to join
in World Communion event

By Claudia M. Williams
Staff Writer
Southwest Texas United Methodists are to join Christians around the world Oct. 2 in observing World Communion Sunday.
The 60-year-old interdenominational celebration of the Lord’s Supper is designed to remind Christians that they are part of one body in Christ.
In the Holy Communion liturgy in The United Methodist Hymnal, worshipers ask God: “…by your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world.”
For W. E. “Spider” Web, a member of Grace UMC, Corpus Christi, Holy Communion means participating in a ritual “that is older than life itself.”
“Communion renews my faith in God,” he said. “I’m remembering what happened on the Last Supper. And I also remember my mother, who brought me up teaching me communion was very important.
“She prepared the elements on Sundays in my little church. I always remember her in my prayers while I’m at the communion rail, praying.”
James Doty, a member of First UMC, Portland, said, “Communion is a special time you’re with God. It’s a way of getting in touch with God. You know God is there; you’re in touch with God. If there’s anything you have to let go, you can, right there.”
Doty attends a contemporary worship service at which Holy Communion is served by intinction. People pull a piece of bread from the common loaf for themselves and dip it into a cup of grape juice.
“Taking your own piece of bread from the loaf is drawing God to yourself in a very personal way,” Doty said.
Many Southwest Texas congregations include Holy Communion as part of a healing service. At First UMC, Seguin, a healing service is offered the third Sunday of each month in the chapel. Twenty-five worshipers attended in August.
“There’s a healing power in communion,” said the Rev. Lonnie Phillips, senior pastor. “The smallness of the community at the healing service lends itself to intimacy. By your very presence, you are admitting that there’s a need in yourself or in others.
“Within that setting you open yourself to life’s situation, and then you are open to the healing power of God. Holy Communion is a visible sign of God’s presence. When we partake, we receive what we need from God.”