Tag: table

Pastor’s Notes 9/5/2025

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.                       

– 1 Cor 11:23-26

This Sunday, September 7, we will continue our focus of what we believe as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We take great pride and find  true identity in being people of the table.  Our theme for the day is: “All Are Welcome at the Table.”

Our scripture readings come from 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 and Acts 2:42–47. Paul shares the words of Jesus at the Last Supper, reminding the early church that the bread and cup are to be received in remembrance of Christ. Luke then paints a beautiful picture of the first believers: they devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. “Day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

As Disciples of Christ, the Lord’s Table is central to our identity. We gather every week to share bread and cup, not because it is our tradition alone, but because it is Christ’s invitation. At this table, there are no barriers. You don’t have to be a member of our church, or of any church, to receive communion. You simply need a heart open to God’s grace.

This week we’ll reflect together on what it means to be people of the table. We will focus on how Christ’s welcome shapes the way we live and love. We will prepare ourselves for  how this meal sends us back into the world with compassion and courage.

Come ready to be fed, not only by bread and cup, but also by the Spirit, the Word, and the fellowship of God’s people. I look forward to breaking bread with you in person or on YouTube.

Brett

Sermon 6/4/2023

Posted on by Wende Gonzales

If I were to ask you to think about a table that has been significant in your life, where does your mind go first?

I have a feeling that if I were to ask you to think about various kinds of tables, a fairly clear picture will come to mind as well as a flood of memories and experiences. Take a few moments and think about each of these tables and what triggers your memory:

  • kitchen table
  • dining room table
  • craft or hobby table
  • work table
  • Communion table

We, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are a people of the table. First and foremost, we refer to the Holy Table of Communion. The Lord’s table is a place where Jesus welcomes all as equally worthy to receive, as well as to go forth and serve another. Each time we gather at this table, it is a unique experience unto the moment. It is a communal encounter shaped by those present.

We are also people of other significant tables. Disciples love to eat. There is something about food on a table to bring us together in conversation and fellowship. Also, at table we study, pray, create, and provide in ways that build up the reign of God in our midst. Community happens at and because of the table.

The text for Sunday is Luke 22:23-30. A dispute has broken out amongst Jesus’ followers regarding which of them could be regarded as the greatest. In verse 27 Jesus gives us another of his patented, ‘yes and’ answers when he replies: “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”

We seek to understand what Jesus meant and to explore in greater detail how we are truly people of the table.