One Spirit, One Voice, One Prayer

In 1937-38, the leaders of more than 100 churches from 120 countries voted to create the World Council of Churches (WCC). That body includes Presbyterian, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Reformed, Orthodox, and United Methodist churches to name only a few. Together, the WCC has worked to forge common voice, prayer and work world-wide, united by our convictions around the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and specifically the saving grace of God for all the world through the one Christ.

Like any large family, there are squabbles and disagreements but in the end we remain committed as family to this holy proposition: that in Christ, we are stronger together in our witness. Member WCC churches are called to: 

• the goal of visible unity in one faith and one eucharistic fellowship;

• promote their common witness in work for mission and evangelism;

• engage in Christian service by serving human need, breaking down barriers between people, seeking justice and peace, and upholding the integrity of creation; 

• foster renewal in unity, worship, mission, and service.

This is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. I am reminded of its importance in a world and a world faith that is so fractured and pained; our witness is diminished to a skeptical but hungry world. Therefore, in this month of prayer emphasis in our worship at FUMC Plano, I share with you the World Council of Churches (WCC) prayer for Day 6 of this designated week:

God of heaven and earth, your Son Jesus Christ has revealed you as our Father and promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit: grant to your Church to overcome the scandal of our divisions, so that we may bear witness to your life of communion, in the unity of our profession of faith and in the love of mutual service. Through Christ our Lord. AMEN

 See YOU in prayer and worship this Sunday,

Matt Gaston, Lead Pastor