Sermons / October 4, 2026 - World Communion Sunday - Fairview and Grace United Methodist Church - Dayton, OH

October 4, 2026 Fairview and Grace United Methodist Church Welcome and Announcements David Larson, Liturgist Centering Moment Dr. Barbara Kaskinen, piano “Passacaglia” G. F. Handel, composer *Call to Worship Duke Lunsford, Lay Leader In a world that remain divided and in conflict, God is inviting us to be one people. Today we gather around one table, in answer to God’s will. What do we find at today’s table? God’s love, which endures all things and connects all things. Let us repent and give thanks for God’s powerful love for the world. Thanks be to God! Make us witnesses of Your love this day! *Opening Song Red Hymnal #548 “In Christ There is No East or West” Children’s Moment Pastors Gaiser and Wagner Passing the Peace Pastors Gaiser and Wagner Community Prayer Duke Lunsford, Lay Leader God of surprises, break through the life of the Fairview and Grace congregations and its people. Reveal to us new ways we can be faithful and fruitful, moving into the future You have in store. Today, from the ends of the earth, You have gathered us around Christ’s holy table. For the opportunity to eat and drink together, and for the life we have received, we give you thanks and praise. Renew us as we join with our extended family around the world. Help us to remember our true purpose as the church. Redeem, restore and remold us that we may prove to be righteous in the face of all dangers and temptations. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. Offering & Offertory Music Charis Weible “Beautiful City” from “Godspell” Stephen Schwartz, composer *Song of Praise Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Christ, all people here below. Praise Holy Spirit evermore. Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Prayer of Dedication Pastor Neil Pastoral Prayer Pastor John Lord’s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. Scripture Susan Hines Philippians 3:4b-14 Anthem Fairview and Grace Choir “One World, One Communion” Message Pastors Gaiser and Wagner Scripture Amelia Boomershine, teller Matthew 26:26-29 The Service of Holy Communion Pastors Gaiser and Wagner *Closing Song Red Hymnal #620 “One Bread, One Body” Closing Words Pastors Gaiser and Wagner Postlude JoAnn Wagner, organ “Jesus Loves Me” Jason Payne, arranger Benediction Pastor Neil