To the Moon

We are looking this morning at the second sign of the cross. Last week we spoke of Baptism. This week, we will talk about Communion. At least that’s what we Baptists call it. If you were from another denomination, you might call it “The Lord’s Table,” or “The Eucharist.” Regardless of the title, I bet when you think of communion, you don’t think of this. Most of us are familiar with astronaut Neil Armstrong's historic statement as he stepped onto the moon's surface: "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." I bet you didn’t know however about the first meal Buzz Aldrin ate there.When Apollo 11 landed on the surface of the moon on Sunday, July 20, 1969. Buzz Aldrin had brought aboard the spacecraft a tiny Communion kit provided by his church. Aldrin sent a radio broadcast to Earth asking listeners to contemplate the events of that day and give thanks.Then, in radio blackout for privacy … [Aldrin] read, "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit." Then, he gave thanks, and took communion.