“We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing.”

Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47 (NRSV)

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:23-25 (NRSV)

Christians have gathered together for centuries, often with a meal, to build community, encourage and pray for one another, and worship God. As the church moves into a new season with Fr. Sadie at Camp Marshall, this could be a wonderful time to expand our idea of worship and hospitality towards each other and our neighbors. The wisdom is in the room and there is much that each one of us has to offer.

The idea of gathering for meals during the summer months, as an alternative to a traditional Eucharistic service, is to make a hospitable practice of prayer, and how it might look around a table, with conversation and encouragement with one another.

This is just one proposed idea to gather, in a way that is hospitable, biblical, and open to the public. Christ Church has proven itself able to pivot in the past, through Covid and the interim season of calling a priest. We are being asked to pivot again, which gives us an amazing chance to use our imaginations and try new things. 

Please be in prayer about other ways that we can consider how to care for each other and welcome others into our church.