We have an incredible opportunity this Sunday to experience God in new ways at the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa. This Sunday, October 3 is World Communion Sunday. What is World Communion Sunday? The National Council of Church explains:
The day has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God’s earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.
Churches from every denomination are taking part in this celebration of oneness in Christ. At FBC, we do communion a little differently this Sunday. We have four stations for communion, representing the four corners of the world, and we invite worshipers to visit one or all of the stations. The communion bread consists of different ethnic breads from around the world.
In addition, we have a special quest preacher from the American Baptist Churches International Ministries:
Rev. Ray Schooler is the Director of Development/Church Relations International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches USA. Ray Schooler was born and raised in Texas, but ministry has provided opportunities to live in several different places. He is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, BA; Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, M.Div.; and Trinity Theological Seminary, D.Min. He has served in local church ministry in several capacities including, Youth Minister, Associate Pastor and Senior Pastor. Ray served on the American Baptist Churches, General Board and also as President of the Board of International Ministries (IM). He and his wife (Gail) live in Buffalo, NY and have five adult sons.
I first met Ray at the 2009 ABC Pasadena Biennial and he has a lot to share about his ministry experiences.
In addition, during Sunday School, we will have a video Skype chat with Daniel and Sarah Chetti. The Chettis serve at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, Lebanon. They are the first International Ministries missionaries in Lebanon. The Chettis are also very involved in the International Church in Beirut, where Dan is one of the Elders of the Church and Sarah helps to teach Sunday School. Dan teaches theology and coordinates graduate studies at the seminary.
After worship this Sunday, we invite everyone to stay for our Mission Fair. The Mission Fair will have dozens of local, regional, and national ministries that you can interface with. All of the ministries present are ministries that was support in some way. The goal of the Mission Fair is to education and connect the congregation to our supported missional activities.
We have an active Sunday this week! I hope you will join with me in worship and mission excitement at First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa this Sunday!
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