{"id":25516,"date":"2020-10-03T10:31:54","date_gmt":"2020-10-03T14:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=25516"},"modified":"2020-10-03T10:31:54","modified_gmt":"2020-10-03T14:31:54","slug":"world-wide-communion-sunday-means-global-mission-10-4-20","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=25516","title":{"rendered":"World Wide Communion Sunday Means Global Mission (10\/4\/20)"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Sunday October 4, we’ll celebrate communion “virtually” via our live stream.\u00a0 But there’s nothing “virtual” about mission.\u00a0 “Mision” is helping others, wherever they may be.\u00a0 On this special Sunday, we thank God for how He continues to work through us, even as we “socially distance” and “Shelter in Place” during this pandemic.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t
\n\t\t\t

“You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Psalm 91:1-2\n\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div> \n

 <\/p>\n

Focus:\u00a0 Uncertainty or “The Least of These”?<\/span><\/h3>\n

This year we are facing many uncertainties. Because COVID-19 is a global pandemic, we really have no idea how Christians around the world may be able to join their brothers and sisters in Christ in Holy Communion. Because this Holy Christian sacrament is such a vital\u00a0 part of our \"\"faith, we must believe that like us, they are finding a way to remember the last meal Christ shared with His disciples; and give thanks to God for all that He has done for us in Christ as we remember Christ’s sacrifice.<\/p>\n

The United Methodist Church has designated the first Sunday of October as World Communion Sunday. During this service, our thoughts and prayers should focus on “the least of these” throughout the world; and on the devoted missionaries who are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in their midst .Let us pray for their safety; and that God will guide their work, and open their eyes to new opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.\u00a0<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shelter in Place AND Reach Out…<\/span><\/h3>\n

As each of us shelters in place to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we cannot help but be impacted by the scale of illness, death, and financial distress all around us. We could even be led to believe that this is a hopeless situation. But, thank God, that is not true! With our acts of care and compassion, hope abounds!\u00a0 As Methodists, we are\u00a0 part of an extraordinary legacy of undauntable human beings; people of action, people of compassion, people of mercy. Together, we can care for others in this time of great need.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nHere at Pitman UMC we are doing God’s work! Even though our building has been closed, we have called upon the power of God during this crisis, and multiple PUMC ministries have actively been reaching out to support those in need in our community. Using various forms of technology, we are endeavoring to reach those who, while isolated\u00a0 have been unable to stay in touch with PUMC.<\/p>\n

\nPUMC is privileged to be a missional church. Joining other United Methodist churches in Shared Ministries we are sending the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout the world as we provide food, clothing, potable water, and shelter to the poorest of the poor; healthcare, and disease prevention and treatment to third world countries; and rebuilding lives and offering hope in those areas devastated by manmade or natural disasters.<\/p>\n

And yes, the United Methodist Church is working in many countries with Christian love and support to address needs during this dreadful pandemic.\u00a0 Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak, UMCOR has been working with health boards, medical professionals, disaster management coordinators and faith leaders to prevent the further spread of this disease; and to address health concerns, food insecurity, hygiene limitations and other pressing needs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\t\t