Are you going to be sitting around a table this Thanksgiving weekend? If you are lucky, you might be gathering with family and friends, perhaps at the cottage or in someone’s home. When I am hosting more than 6 people, I have to think about how to sit everyone. Should I bring in the plastic table from the deck? Perhaps we could just all squish together? When the kids were younger, I thought about having a separate table for them and their cousins.
The logistics of making sure that everyone has a place at the table, can be mind-boggling! Making sure that everyone feels comfortable is an important part of hospitality. So now that my Dad has some physical challenges “squishing” is not an option. I like to see everyone’s face around the table as we share food together, so I was never keen on two separate tables.
When we sit down together we don’t just eat. We share stories of the past, so that everyone learns about where they have come from and what they are connected to. We talk about what we’re doing now and what we love or dislike about our lives. We listen to help and advice, both solicited and unsolicited J We introduce new people to the table . Do you remember the first time that you took home that special person in your life? I bet it was to a family meal of some sort.
Our church family is no different. The table might not be quite as obvious and we certainly don’t have one that is big enough us all to sit-down together at the same time! Even so, we are trying to be hospitable, be aware of different needs and to engage in the stories of our faith. We will be exploring the theme “A place for you at the table” into November.
This Thanksgiving Sunday we will be using the table image to reflect upon the rules we have when we eat together: whether they nurture community or stifle it. We will seek wisdom from the ancient people of Israel, often called “people of the law” and the followers of Jesus, who lived out the gospel or “good news”. We will say “thank you” to God.
Come and join us. Blessings, Karen
For Heartbeat click /Content/10457/Oct 9 HBa.pdfor access on our web site home age: www.beachunitedchurch.com
“Roast & Toast”: Saturday Oct 22nd ~ will celebrate the past in the south building of BUC and look to the future of building close connections with St. Aidan’s.
Afternoon @ St.Aidan’s: pig roast and other delicious food, beginning around 2.00 pm. Evening @ Beach UC: “Last Basketball Game” and other activities in the auditorium.
There will be something for all ages, so mark your calendars! Contact Karen Dale
if you can help.