Combined Worship and Love Feast
Sunday, October 2, 2016
11:30 am
On October 2, the Lancaster Church of the Brethren will join together with congregations all around the world to celebrate and remember our common connection to the Body of Jesus that has become for us bread and drink. The purpose of World Communion Sunday is to remind us that in a world where there is much evil and darkness, the light of Jesus shines inextinguishably and that he has positioned the church to be a city on a hill—a lamp on a stand. His dream for the church is that it be visibly united in a way that validates the truth of his Good News to those who are not yet his followers.
In that spirit, there will be one combined worship service at 10:15 in the Sanctuary. The service will reflect the rich diversity as the body of Christ at LCOB, as well as recognize each person’s place in the Body that is reflected around the entire world. What a wonderful way to remember that LCOB is part of something so much bigger and that God’s love and work goes out beyond anyone’s dreams.
Worship will continue with the Fall Love Feast in the Family Life Center. In the Church of the Brethren, Love Feast is one of the most sacred and meaningful times of worship. The tone of this Love Feast will be one of celebration and community building. As with all Love Feasts, the service will include: examination and preparation, an agape fellowship meal, feet washing, communion, prayer, and singing. Families will sit together, which allows for children to participate in the fellowship meal. A simple meal will be provided by the deacons.
There will be stations for feetwashing so a variety of needs may be met, including the ability for couples and families to wash feet together (opening the door for teaching with children) and for same-gendered feet-washing. Handwashing is also available.
Combining worship and then moving directly from morning worship into Love Feast is a new format for LCOB. The pastors and dea-cons are excited and hopeful that it will make it possible for all worshippers to attend.
Here are a few details to help you navigate and prepare for the day:
*If you would like to wash feet but are unable to kneel to do so, please contact Judi Hess (392-0549), so that the deacons can help you participate in this important ritual.
*If you are a parent of small children, as worship transitions from the sanctuary to the FLC, you will be able to pick up your children and immediately move together into the next phase of worship, which will be the meal. After the feetwashing portion, children ages 3 and up may go to a special educational worship time all their own. Childcare will be available for children under 3. (Our hope is to be finished in time to get your whole family home in time for naps!)
*If you have never attended a Love Feast or if it has been a long time since you have, please hear our sincerest invitation to you and your family to join us. If you would like more information on why we celebrate in this unique way or about the format (ex. How do you actually wash someone’s feet or hands? Can you show me?), please do not hesitate to contact one of the pastors or a deacon. We are happy to help you make this truly meaningful.
We cannot wait to join with you and the global Body of Christ on this special day!