|
A number of years ago I was organist-choirmaster in an Episcopal parish in Louisville, Ky. The parish had some lovely people in it, and the choir worked very hard to make beautiful music. But this was a low ebb in the parish’s life. People were growing older, moving away, and attendance kept dropping.
A new rector named Frank was called to serve, and only years later would I discover that his mandate from the bishop had been to revive the parish or padlock the doors. Despite Frank's having retired twice, he still displayed an abundance of creativity and energy. One of his first visions was to hire a cook.
Some might’ve felt that a cook was an extravagance in light of the parish’s dwindling resources. But Frank had the wisdom to know that when people eat together, they can’t help but make some deep connections. So this parish was transformed by Hazel, the fabulous cook, who dispensed love and great food in equal portions.
Frank’s new policy was that every time there was a meeting at the church, a meal would be served. Soon smiling faces began to appear. You might suspect that amazing growth resulted, and you’d be right. But new members were not the most significant change. That was that people were now deeply connected and shared their joys and sorrows, their likes and dislikes. In a sense, we had eaten our way into a Christian community.
Gracious God, may our tables be banquets of love for all present. Amen.
| 
