With great excitement, First Wayne Street UMC kicked off the first “Life at the Table” (a dinner church experience)—as we welcomed 17 folks for a time of fellowship, great food and discussion over the meal.  We met new folks and heard about how Jesus called Matthew, the tax collector, to follow him—and then had dinner at Matthew’s house that night.  Jesus did a lot of ministry over meals.  

This first “Life at the Table” was somewhat of a trial run—testing out the flow of the event, learning where the dishes and silverware are, and how to wash them in the dishwasher.  Team member Marj Gamble is compiling the results of surveys from those attending, but the team has said we want to go ahead and market more heavily.  So we will be expanding our social media presence, handing out flyers and doing some mailings.

We have been asked: Is “Life at the Table” open to current members of the congregation?  Well… on the one hand YES … Absolutely!  Everyone is welcome!  

However, “Life at the Table” is not about providing something for the existing congregation. It is about creating an option for new people, — people who cannot attend on Sunday or for whom something after work during the week would be helpful or for folks who are looking for a more casual, intimate experience.  

If you know of someone who might be interested in “Life at the Table,” please tell them about it.  Or better yet, bring them!  Everyone IS welcome!

Please continue to pray for this new ministry. Jesus has called us to share the good news we have found through a relationship with him by developing new relationships with others.  That is what this dinner church experience is all about.  

The next Life at the Table event will be at 6 pm July 18, with setup beginning at 5:30.