The Table
Our new Sunday rhythm
Since April, we've been gathering on Sunday evenings with some of our favorite people, in a little church, over a shared meal. We're affectionately calling this space The Table, and we're so thankful for what we're building together. Here's what a typical evening at The Table looks like:
Our family makes a big dinner on Sunday afternoon that will feed 20-25 people. We pack it all up and drive over to the sweetest little Methodist Church just five minutes from where we used to live in the village. We set up a few simple tables, keep everything warm in the oven, and wait for people to arrive. Dustin rushes off to the village to pick up a few folks who don't have transportation. Good thing we have a minivan!
Folks start to arrive about 5 o'clock, many carpooling, grabbing a drink as soon as they get in as they begin to share about their week. After 15 minutes or so, Dustin is back and everyone has arrived, so we can begin the short, informal service in the beautiful sanctuary.Most weeks include an opening liturgy that we've developed together, prayers of the people, personal sharing, reading of the communion passage, and then exiting to go "take communion" through a full meal around the table(s)!
Then everyone eats together, then chats for a long time or breaks out into a card game or dominos. We start wrapping up around 7 pm. Folks help box up any leftovers, wipe down tables, and take out the garbage. And some weeks, we'll deliver any extra food to friends back in our old neighborhood who weren't able to make it but could use a hot meal.
But our favorite part every week is that this is a space of healing and belonging.
People show up just as they are, carrying whatever type of week they've had - celebratory, grief-laden, or something in the middle.
Between the time in the sanctuary that helps us get quiet and connect with God and one another, to the moments during the meal where we get updates (and more personal prayer if someone needs it), to the competitive games, we’re pretty sure people leave feeling a little lighter, a little more supported, and a little more centered on Jesus, who carries us through it all.