We set “The Lord’s Table” week by week by week. 

One way we do it…

We open the church on Sundays (Zoom too), claim aloud His name and His intentions for us, sing and pray and read and share.  We gather around in the physical space, we create space to receive and give together with an awareness that it is GOD’S BANQUET we’re attending.  We tend in many ways the physical structures of our precious building while remembering our worshipful purposes in all things.  On the first Sundays we’re mindful and go deeper as we set aside the time to come closer to the literal table, to each other, to the gifts of bread and cup which convey Christ’s living presence and the bonds of the New Covenant. We “say Yes” to receiving the gifts of grace and strength, the duties of discipleship, the power of the Holy Spirit.  We are fed; we feed each other.

Other ways we set His table…

We invite. We invite you and neighbors we don’t know (yet).  We invite to opportunities which we pray will bless with companionship, counsel and courage.  We imagine.  We experiment with the timeless practices of Church (gatherings for growth).  We do what we do here and in the neighborhood “in His name.” Not with zeal and preachy energy, but seeking to be companions and to serve in new ways for today. To represent His grace and strength to a wider community in need, and to be changed by the wisdom and lessons we experience on the adventure.

I am mindful of our beautiful sanctuary window picturing Jesus with Mary and Martha.  Setting all the tables we set can be demanding and we may become tired and frustrated (like Martha).  The work is necessary, and so is the  centering rest of worship. We need to rest, to be still and prayerful like Mary.  As the summer unfolds, some of us are experiencing some relative rest; others need much more.  May the image of God’s banquet intended for you – to receive and to share – bring you nourishment this day.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki