World Communion Sunday and the South Africa Partnership Signing


On Sunday, October 7, 2007, we read in Luke's Gospel: "Then people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God."  We did more than just read those words. We proclaimed and celebrated them.

On that special Sunday we celebrated World Communion Sunday and the signing of a partnership agreement between First Presbyterian Church of the Florida Presbytery and St. Kiaran's Presbyterian Church and the Masiphumelele Church of the Presbytery of the Western Cape. We celebrated this special relationship by singing: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, In Christ There is No East or West, Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ, and O Sing to the Lord. The choir led us in worship with an anthem entitled, Bread of the World.

Our pastor, the Reverend Rob Bohnsack, spoke of the special way the Lord's Supper unites all Christians. He also spoke of the partnership agreement between the three congregations and the importance of working at this relationship and not just letting it sit on the shelf.

After worship we had a reception that continued the celebration of the partnership agreement between the three churches. South African treats were served and we all enjoyed a cup or two of hot Rooibos tea. Pictures and keepsakes from South Africa were on display in the Fellowship Hall. Jim and Carol Davis showed their video from their recent trip to South Africa. Everybody really enjoyed the photos from Bongile and Babalwa's wedding. The Reverend David van Duyker, pastor at St. Kiaran's Presbyterian Church, officiated.

While our official celebration of the partnership with our partner churches in South Africa may have concluded, we have a wonderful bulletin board hanging in the Christian Education building that reminds us of the partnership.

The worship service, reception, and bulletin board marked a joyful and memorable event in the life of First Presbyterian Church. We pray that this partnership brings glory to God.

Download the actual signed partnership agreement between the three churches here.  (Right Click and select "Save Target As . . .")