Within the spirit of Christ's hospitality, The Gathering Place provides meals without cost, served with dignity and compassion to anyone who is in need and/or is interested in building healthy relationships and connections with the people in our community.
Yesterday the steering committee for the Gathering Place, the community meal begun last December, met in my study. This meal on the second Friday of each month is open to anyone who wants to come, and the atmosphere is positive and welcoming, in Christ's name. While many of those attending are from group homes and rooming houses in the downtown, there is no means test, no restrictions.
There are six of us on the steering committee, and I am very impressed by the group. I am the only clergyperson, which is probably a good thing because it means that there is none of the territorial stuff that tends to surface with the official representatives of different denominations. And I am the only United Church person, the others all being from what we might call evangelical congregations. They are a joy to work with, thoughtful Christians all, with hearts of compassion and a great work ethic. Connecting with these folk and the many volunteers from nine congregations who make the meal happen (a number from St. Paul's) has been one of the most positive experiences during my ministry in Bowmanville. Christians getting along with Christians -- who knew!
Yesterday we looked at our value statements which include openness and reciprocity, a willingness to receive from our guests as well as give, mindful of Jesus' story about a dinner party in Luke 11 which he concludes by saying "for all who exalt themselves with be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
If you are interested in getting involved, come to the next meal at St. Paul's on April 8th (5:00 pm), have your supper and see how it all unfolds. It's that simple. The meals are amazing and I think the next one is a turkey dinner.
Any musings and observations?
Yesterday the steering committee for the Gathering Place, the community meal begun last December, met in my study. This meal on the second Friday of each month is open to anyone who wants to come, and the atmosphere is positive and welcoming, in Christ's name. While many of those attending are from group homes and rooming houses in the downtown, there is no means test, no restrictions.
There are six of us on the steering committee, and I am very impressed by the group. I am the only clergyperson, which is probably a good thing because it means that there is none of the territorial stuff that tends to surface with the official representatives of different denominations. And I am the only United Church person, the others all being from what we might call evangelical congregations. They are a joy to work with, thoughtful Christians all, with hearts of compassion and a great work ethic. Connecting with these folk and the many volunteers from nine congregations who make the meal happen (a number from St. Paul's) has been one of the most positive experiences during my ministry in Bowmanville. Christians getting along with Christians -- who knew!
Yesterday we looked at our value statements which include openness and reciprocity, a willingness to receive from our guests as well as give, mindful of Jesus' story about a dinner party in Luke 11 which he concludes by saying "for all who exalt themselves with be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."
If you are interested in getting involved, come to the next meal at St. Paul's on April 8th (5:00 pm), have your supper and see how it all unfolds. It's that simple. The meals are amazing and I think the next one is a turkey dinner.
Any musings and observations?
4 comments:
First off: apologies, David, for the protracted absence. Since last weekend, my computer will stay powered up for about 5 minutes at a shot before powering down. With the laptop now installed as a replacement, I am back!
Secondly, I just love the idea of the Gathering Place. If you ever need a piano player for dinner music, call me.
Teacher, March Break -- I figured you were off enjoying yourself somewhere.
We have someone play every meal for a little ambience. How about April 8th?
I think Ian, would be a great choice for the next Gathering,great personality,super talent,how about it Ian.
Taffy.
Sold.
Book me in!
I need an agent too, so Taffy: if you have space on your roster ...
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