Rosh Hashanah-the Jewish celebration of a new year; a time to rejoice at what has been and to begin again.

World Communion Sunday! It is hard to take in the reality of this day; a time when all around the world, Christians join in the same meal. A meal which celebrates what has been and invites us to begin again. How fitting that both of these significant occasions coincide. Perhaps nothing addresses this certainty more than the words of this hymn:

In Christ there is no east or west

In him no south or north;

But one great fellowship of love

Throughout the whole wide earth.

Our own fellowship of love is but a part of a larger whole. What comfort! What a responsibility. Love is hard to sustain at times-and the meal set before us offers sustenance, grace and love. But of course, you must come to the table. As one writer so eloquently put it:

Come to the table, child of mine

Feast on the bread and drink of the wine

Think of the Lord who calls you to dine-

This is the feast of Thanksgiving.

Come to the table, child of mine

Nourish your soul on the bread and the wine

Drawing strength together you dine

This is the feast of Communion.

Come to the table, child of mine

Taking the symbols of bread and wine

Grain from the field and fruit from the vine

This is the feast of the Kingdom.

-Charles Hoffman

I look forward to seeing you in your place in the pew on Sunday.

The Rev. Melanie Silva