How do we continue to “Press On” when all we want to do is press off and reboot? As Christians in the year 2020, we have been inundated with challenges, and we are facing new realities and seeking new ways to acknowledge and love our neighbors. Pressing on takes courage and determination, but the good news is that we do not do this alone. We must remember that we have God to lean on and lead us onward. Furthermore, we have scriptures that remind us of our identity, of who claims us and loves us. This worship series for the month of October begins with World Communion Sunday when, we remember in Christ throughout the world in the sacrament of Holy Communion. The following Sundays continue to strengthen the themes of connection and the journey to perfection as followers of Christ. We want to be more like Christ, and that takes perseverance, courage, and commitment to pressing on!

October 4, 2020, World Communion Sunday, is a wonderful day to celebrate the worldwide church through readings in various languages and singing hymns and songs from other cultures. “Pues si Vivimos,” 356 in The United Methodist Hymnal (see History of Hymns article) and “Song of Hope,” The Faith We Sing, 2186 (see History of Hymns article), are two great examples. Have a soloist sing the verses in Spanish and invite others to sing in English or whatever language they choose. “One Bread, One Body,” 620, The United Methodist Hymnal, is another excellent choice for this Sunday. Click the links below for more choices for hymns from other cultures:

For the following Sundays in October, you have the hymn suggestions listed by scripture, but you might consider one or more the following hymns found in The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing as thematic hymns that tie the Sundays together musically. These hymns speak of relationship with Christ, becoming more like Christ, and serving others.