If you read the title of this article, I imagine you were expecting a different interrogative pronoun. The question normally asked is, “What’s for Dinner?” But this Thanksgiving, I’d challenge you to ask “Who’s for Dinner?” as in “Who might I be able to invite for dinner?”
Church is not a place, but a community of people. Church is not just about worship or Sunday School or meetings. Church is the people with whom we are called to “do life” together. In recent years, I’ve become aware of three Trinity folks who invite others to their home for holiday meals. Some of our members don’t have family close by for a variety of reasons. But church is family so what a perfect time to come together for a holiday meal. This year’s stewardship theme “Setting the Table for Trinity” reminded us that Jesus’ mission of “seeking and saving the lost” was accomplished through table fellowship. Around the table is the place where we connect and grow closer to God and one another. There is something sacred about table fellowship. If you would like to invite someone for dinner this Thanksgiving and are unsure who to ask, speak to Pastor Tracey. She can provide some recommendations. If you are a member without family and would like to join your Trinity family for Thanksgiving dinner, let Pastor Tracey know. What a blessing it is for us to gather around the table with one another.
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Each month the Trinity newsletter will focus on a component of Pastor Tracey’s sabbatical. This National Clergy Renewal Program is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc
How Table Talk Shapes Our Hospitality and Generosity
In the book A Meal with Jesus, author Tim Chester points out the abundance of meals in the gospel of Luke. Luke writes, “the Son of Man [Jesus] came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). That’s a clear mission statement. But any mission needs an effective strategy or method of implementation. So, Chester points out, Luke also tells us, “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking…” (Luke 7:34). How did Jesus carry out his mission of seeking and saving the lost? What was his strategy or methodology? Meals. Jesus chooses to make the rich grace of God real and tangible as he breaks bread with friends and with those whom religion had marginalized and alienated. “Food isn’t just fuel… It’s gift, generosity, grace… a central ingredient in our experience of God’s goodness.”i In January, 2015, under the leadership of Rev. Dan Bonner from the Center for Urban Congregation Renewal, Trinity crafted its current vision statement: “Growing in love and service through relationships with God and community.” I have always been passionate about our vision statement because it reminds us that Christianity is more than a belief system; our faith is about how we live in relationship with God and with those around us.
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