Four churches will unite in worship at Magee Park in Carlsbad for World Communion Sunday on Oct. 7, but the services aren't limited to just those congregations.

"We made a decision a few years ago that we were going to do it out in the park, because we want to be conscious that the proclamation of the Gospel is something to be out in the world," said the Rev. Lewis Leon of First Presbyterian Church in Oceanside. "It takes us out of our usual place, and peopled are asked to invite their friends and neighbors, and if somebody just happens to be walking by, we invite them."

The service will be 10:30 a.m. at Magee Park, at Beech Street and Carlsbad Boulevard in Carlsbad. People are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

World Communion Sunday began in 1936 as a Presbyterian observance. The Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America in 1940 adopted World-wide Communion Sunday, now called World Communion Sunday, as a global, interdenominational service on the first Sunday in October.

First Presbyterian Church has organized a World Communion Sunday worship in the past, and this year invited three other churches to participate. It also is combining all its own Sunday services into one for the day.

"We are not having our usual worship services on our campus," Leon said about the normally scheduled sermons at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. "We're asking all of our congregation to come together for that one service at 10:30 a.m."

Joining First Presbyterian this year will be North Coast United Methodist Church, King of Kings Lutheran Church and Walker Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The guest preacher that day will be Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, retired prelate for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and past president for the World Council of Churches, who will talk about the church being united in Christ.

Leon said First Presbyterian will use the event to kick off a mission aimed at youth in the community, especially focused on the neighborhood north of Mission Avenue and east of Interstate 5. He said the church will work with local agencies on a program that will provide mentors for young people.

Last year, about 300 people attended World Communion Sunday in Oceanside, and Leon said he expects up to 400 this year.

A catered picnic will follow immediately after worship and will include fellowship opportunities. Lunch reservations are available for $5 at each church on Sundays and should be made by Thursday. Call (760) 757-3560.

Contact staff writer Gary Warth at (760) 740-5410 or gwarth@nctimes.com.