STORIES AROUND THE TABLE

This year's Lenten Devotional features stories from parishioners about times they spiritually connected around the table with a loved one. We hope these stories invite you to reflect on times you experienced meaningful connection or the presence of The Spirit through the sharing of food and around the table.

Nourishment

by Josh Paulie

February 24, 2023

I wouldn’t say that I enjoy cooking. I find it stressful and get little joy out of the planning, preparation, and execution.

I do enjoy feeding people. I find comfort in knowing that I am providing nourishment to friends, family, and specifically, my toddler. This is most apparent to me this time of year as my family has taken on hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas Day meals, my wife and I host our annual Christmas party, and I continue to be hyper-focused on feeding my toddler (all times of the year). Gathering in these groups, large and small, provides a nourishment for the soul that I love, look forward to, and am proud to facilitate in some way.

So, while I may not enjoy the dredging process required for my homemade fish stick recipe, nothing beats the text I received from my wife the last time I was in the middle of making them. When she informed our daughter in the car what was for dinner, Caroline said, “fish sticks!! Oh my gosh!!”

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve,

We thank you, Lord.

Around the Table | Lenten Speaker and Lunch Series Begins March 1

Wednesdays @ Noon in March

Around the Table: A Spirituality of Cooking, Eating, Hospitality, and Hanging Out will highlight creative people in the RVA food/beverage/hospitality industry. These visionaries and creatives will share their stories, explain their passion for food and hospitality, and take us into the spirituality that calls them, and calls us all, around the table. Lenten Lunches will also be available to eat in the Parish Hall (pick up in the atrium) and takeout.

Lunches will need to be pre-ordered the Wednesday prior to pick up. Scroll down for details on ordering.

CLICK HERE to read more about our themes, speakers and lunches.