Lisa Witherspoon, Director of Children’s Ministry
There are plenty of stories in the bible that center around the act of Jesus sharing a meal with others. Can you name one?
There is the feeding of the 5,000 (Luke 9:10-17), Jesus going to Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:1-10), Jesus visiting Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), and, of course, the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-23) just to name a few of the most familiar ones. Jesus even used this type of gathering as a basis for the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:15-24).
So, what is it about gathering around a table for a meal that is so special?
Coming together for a meal draws people closer together. It is a time to chat, share stories, and laugh together. Such a gathering breaks down barriers and offers an opportunity for everyone to be included. It allows the people assembled to share in a common activity that is the very basis of human survival – eating.
In his book, The Anxious Generation, author Jonathan Haidt, speaks of spiritual practices as a means of combatting the lack of connection a “phone-based culture” has created among today’s youth. Haidt says, “Perhaps the most important embodied activity that binds people together is eating.” He points out that most major holidays and celebrations, whether religious or secular, involve a feast or shared meal. This is true across cultures and religions. He says, “People who “break bread” together have a bond.”
Sharing a meal, communion, is indeed central to our faith. Even when we do not serve communion, we are still gathered around a table each time we come together for worship as the communion table is still central to our worship spaces.
This week, our youth groups (middle school and high school) will return to regularly scheduled breakfast club gatherings. I will admit that 7:15 comes early, but despite the early hour, it has been one of the most attended youth activities, especially among our middle schoolers. It could be the chicken minis that get them out of bed that early, but I believe it is more than that. We – students, parents, youth advisors and staff – repeatedly set our morning alarms and we gather because it is important; it means something; it builds our bond and makes us stronger as a family of faith.
