04/03/2026
The Longer Table
The sign out front said, "Maundy Thursday Dinner Church 6:30pm All are Welcome, Join Us.
In walks "E". He is welcomed; he fills his plate with appetizers and takes a place at the table. "E" comes to our free Neighborhood Breakfast which we host once a month. He joins in the conversation about the state of the world. The table grew longer.
In walks "M" he is welcomed. He fills a bowl with chili and takes a place at the table. He is quiet, but you could see that he is listening. The table longer still.
In walks another, very quietly. He is welcomed; takes a bowl of chili, eats, and leaves. Didn't engage much, yet I knew his soul and body were fed. The table extended.
E and M stayed as we continued on with the sacrament of holy communion. E communed M, M with some assistance communed the eight-year-old that was present.
E and M did not join us for the stripping of the altar, but a member stayed behind and offered conversation, still more welcome, acceptance, God's presence.
All at the table, wonderfully and marvelously made, created by God in the image of God. The kin-dom of God, gathered as one, on a sacred Thursday night. The table ever longer still.
