When Two or Three Are Gathered

What is your favorite story about Jesus and why?
What is our understanding of who Jesus was/is and why is he important?

These are a couple of the questions that we wrestled with on Sunday evening at the New Christianity class.  I am enjoying our lively conversations and have been thinking since Sunday how appropriate it was that of all the topics we are exploring in this class, Jesus was the focus as we began Holy Week.

However, not one of us mentioned the crucifixion or resurrection as his or her "favorite" story.  For some Christians, the events that we remember during Holy Week comprise the only story of Jesus that is important.  I am so glad that I am a part of a community that sees the events of Holy Week as a part of a larger narrative that continually challenges us to to live fully, love generously, and boldly strive to bring heaven to earth.

Someone in the class shared that their favorite story was the Feeding of the 5000 so I shared a close runner up for me: Jesus meeting the Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).  Every time two or more are gathered together, God is with us.  I am certainly experiencing that on Sunday evenings as we break bread and talk with one another.

Telling Stories

I always think it is a good problem when we have to add tables and chairs, which was what we did last night as more than 70 people arrived for the Seder meal at Rock Spring.  Although "meal" doesn't quite capture it.  This was a feast!  Here was the menu:

Mazto Ball Soup
Leg of Lamb
Beef Brisket
Roast Chicken
Noodle Kugel
Tsimis
Green Salad
Brownies with Banana Ice Cream
Pareve Lemon Bars
Pound Cake

Mouths were watering as each dish arrived and was set on the table.  The anticipation set in as we began to experience the Seder, a Jewish ritual that typically takes place in homes.   We each received a copy of the Haggadah, which contains the Seder service and involves (in part) children asking questions of their elders about the history from slavery to freedom.  The evening is marked with many fun traditions, climaxing with the great hunt for the hidden matzah!

The stories we tell, and the rituals that become important to us, say much about who we are and who we strive to become.  What are the great stories you want to bring to life for your family and the people you love? 

As I left last night I thought about all of the effort that went into these wonderful dishes and the care that must take place in every step of the Seder to capture our imagination with these wonderful rituals.  Yet, it is just this care and effort and creativity that helps children (and adults) remember stories well and yearn to retell them.

Many thanks to Hank, Christian Ed and YoRS for setting a wonderful table for us last night.

Welcome Interruptions

I just returned from spending a lovely day with the women of Rock Spring at Shepherds Spring in Sharpsburg, Maryland where our annual Women's Retreat is still in process.  The table to the left provided a wonderful focal point for us and was set by our  able facilitator for the day, Marjory Zoet-Bankson.

The day starting with what Marjory called "moving pairs."  She would give us a question and we would spend just a couple of minutes sharing our responses with one other person in the group.  We did this several times; each time we met with a different person and each time the questions got a little bit deeper.  I valued this opportunity to get to know some women a little bit better.  I wish there had been time to do it with everyone there.

One question that is sticking with me, "Has there been an interruption in your life that has opened up new dimensions?"  What a great question!  On my drive home I kept thinking about it.  So often we think of interruptions as a distraction and something that gets us off track.  As I look back on my life, I know that I have greeted most of the major interruptions that have come my way with dread.  Yet as I look back on them,  I wouldn't trade where they have led me for anything. 

My prayer for tonight is that I might be more open to interruptions and receptive to the opportunities they might hold. 

Setting the Table

When I first met my husband I told him casually, "I love setting tables." He will tell you he didn't really know what I meant by that, or what that meant in relationship to being married to me! It's true; I love to set tables and I gather people around them as often as I can. I enjoy cooking and I love different foods, but even more, I love what happens when people come together at the table.

Conversation. Relationships. Community. Ah-ha moments. Plans, big and small.

I look forward to using this blog to reflect on many of the beautiful things I experience happening around the tables I am able to gather around, especially at Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ.

Do you have a favorite table story to share?