Join us for the Summer of Suppers!
by the Rev. Noah H. Evans
Throughout scripture, we see Jesus sharing meals with all people - the rich, poor, outsiders, criminals, religious and political elites, strangers and friends. It is through eating together that Jesus is able to build communities that transcend differences, unite people beyond family membership, build relationships together and give people a glimpse of the Dream of God. And it is through this sharing of meals together that the church developed the Eucharist, a special meal that unites each one of us with God. Some say that the sharing of meals was Jesus’ primary way of pointing people to understand how God is working in their midst.
Our Summer theme this year is the Summer of Suppers. Each summer, St. Paul's has a theme to help focus our energies and activities during this special season in the life of our parish. Through the Summer of Suppers, we are exploring how we can grow in relationship with one another and serve the wider community through the sharing of meals.
There are two streams to our activities this summer. First is growing in connection with one another and members of the wider community through the sharing of meals and food. We will be having a number of all-parish meals, competitive cook-off events, and opportunities to gather in people's homes through our Sacred Home Suppers and Interfaith Picnics in Homes. A number of parish groups will also be sponsoring pot-lucks and other supper gatherings. Second, we will be helping to address food insecurity in our local community through preparing and serving food to local organizations who help people in need. We also will have several classes to help us learn how to prepare meals for large groups, like we do when bringing meals to partner organizations or preparing a parish meal.
Additionally, we will also have a weekly parish blog with recipes and reflections by parishioners, and several book groups and other opportunities to reflect on the spirituality of food and eating.
I am excited for this journey together this summer season. Feeding Neighbors. Feeding Friends. Feeding Faith.
It is through eating together that God will change the world.
Peace,
Noah+
The Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector
