Every year, on the first Sunday in October, thousands of Christians from many different denominations gather across the world to celebrate World Communion Sunday. Celebrating and recognizing this special day presents a wonderful opportunity to help children appreciate our unity as Christians.
Here are five ideas for helping children celebrate World Communion Sunday:
1. Gather as many different kinds, colors, shapes, and sizes of breads as you can. Ask which one is their favorite. Talk about how God’s people, gathered around the globe to take communion on this day, are just like this bread: we are all different, but God doesn’t have favorites.
2. Read a picture book about communion. Two recommended titles that reflect the beauty and diversity of God’s people are:
- We Gather at this Table, by Anna V Ostenso Moore and illustrated by Peter Krueger, helps children explore why breaking bread with others is central to our Christian faith.
- The newly released Gathered at the Table, by Glenys Nellist, which includes World Communion Sunday in its pages. For older children, the entire text may be read. For younger children, read just the rhyming portions. Many helpful resources can be found in the accompanying free, downloadable Activity Pack.
3. Instead of trying to explain the meaning of communion to children, use open-ended, wondering questions that will help them explore the mystery of this sacrament for themselves. Some examples might be:
- I wonder why Jesus chose bread and wine as a way to remember him…
- I wonder how God feels when people all over the world share communion…
- I wonder what it means to eat the bread of life…
4. Bake bread together. Four simple recipes can be found here.
5. Use this simple but powerful responsive liturgy, or peruse the many World Communion Sunday resources for children available from Illustrated Ministry.
Glenys Nellist is a children's book author and a United Methodist. Learn more about her and explore her work on her website.
This article was published on September 19, 2024. The contact is Laura Buchanan.