Dear Beloveds in God,

Some of my favorite memories of my childhood were spent gathered at a table with family and friends. The table became a sacred and holy space where people are invited in, and bread is broken and shared among those gathered.

At the table, hospitality is cultivated and practiced. People are welcomed, accepted, and met just as they are. There are no expectations for them to have to show up any other way or to put a mask on and pretend they have it all together. They can bring their messy and vulnerable selves knowing that they will be met with compassion, grace, and love.

At the table, no one is a stranger but is brought into the fold of our community. Everyone is someone. When it seems like the table is full, we don’t exclude folks. Instead, we accommodate more people by adding a leaf to the table to extend it and adding more chairs. There is always room for more!

At the table, we share a delicious meal together that satisfies the body and soul. We experience the fragrance of the savory food, taste the delicious melding of flavors which leave our tummies feeling satisfied. As we partake of this meal, we spend time connecting with one another, deepening our relationships which nourish our spirits.

At the table, we remember and hope together. Remembering the beautiful memories that life has afforded us and the grief we have waded through. We remember the saints that have come before us – the faithful lives they have lived and the imprint they left on our lives. We look forward in life with hope knowing that we are in this together and held by God through it all.

As Christians, the table plays an important role in our spiritual lives. In the scriptures, we see that Jesus often gathers at the table with others - inviting people to the table to meet him – to receive his grace and love – to be nourished, renewed, and restored.

Throughout the season of Lent, we will be hearing the stories of Jesus gathered at the table with people to help us reflect on Christian discipleship and hospitality in hopes of discovering in deeper ways what it means to follow Christ. The table is set, friends. Jesus invites us to come and eat!

In Christ,

Pastor Jenn