Why Global Music on World Communion Sunday?

Why Global Music on World Communion Sunday? 

-Hannah Cruse, Music Director, FPC

The time of year for World Communion Sunday has finally arrived. As a pastoral musician, I always ask myself, "What music will we sing for World Communion, and most importantly, why?" 

I think we would all freely admit that Presbyterians are a little "reserved" when it comes to making music outside the traditional Western sphere... Is that a problem? Not necessarily. It's a part of our community's culture. The organ, hymns, choir--these things make us unique and feel connected. But there is an internal part of us that yearns to know what it's like to worship with other cultures. World Communion Sunday often becomes our annual excuse to sing other cultures' songs, play the drums, speak different languages, etc. (By "our," I mean the denomination as a whole and am not singling us out.) It can be tempting to serve our own personal desires (sing songs we like most) before serving the Church's needs (sing songs others may need to hear.) But, we have to be careful not to sing for the wrong reasons! 

So, what is the point of World Communion Sunday, if it's not just about singing fun global songs? What makes this communion day different, even though every communion Sunday presents an opportunity to celebrate our global union with Christ?

I believe that this event--conceived in 1936 by the Presbyterian Church and adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940--invites every congregation to proclaim radical welcome to those inside and outside the church doors. It urges us to (perhaps painfully) examine which groups of people we are forgetting, ignoring, or even shunning. And it reminds us to carry our collective heart for others throughout the year to come.

On World Communion Sunday 2022, we will sing some global songs and sing in multiple languages. We will play drums, among other instruments, and incorporate various musical styles. We will probably not execute all of these things perfectly, but we will try our best! Why? Because doing this is an act of worship--an act of love towards those we don't know and may never meet. These practices may communicate longed-for acceptance to a guest sitting in the pew--who knows! 

We can intentionally "sing welcome" to those who are different from us by humbly participating in music of diverse cultures. It is hard but so very worth the effort (and potential discomfort). 

We hope you enjoy hearing and participating in the music during worship this World Communion Sunday! The One and Done Choir will present a Nigerian folk song called "Ose Ayo," which roughly translates to "Sunrise Song." It invites us to give thanks to God and greet the morning. You'll also hear two songs in Spanish, "Oyenos Mis Dios (Hear Us, My God)" and "Enviado (The Lord Now Sends Us Forth)."